John 18:1–18
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06 April 2009
John 18:1–18 Main point Don’t fight, testify!

Peter’s heart was in the right place – shame about his head! He loved Jesus and was willing to die for him. When the soldiers arrived, out came his sword and he dived into action.

Trouble was, Jesus wanted Peter to be a witness, not a defender.

Jesus did not need anyone to defend him. Fully in control of the situation, he allowed the soldiers to arrest him. He wanted Peter to be loyal to him, not fight for him.

A servant girl’s challenge put Peter on the spot. No battles to fight, just a challenge to be a witness, to declare his allegiance quietly but clearly. Peter bottled it. 

Ever since, disciples have followed Peter’s bad example. When Jesus’ name is being demeaned, his reputation dragged through the dirt, we believe he needs us to defend him, forgetting that before the priests he would not defend himself.

We become angry and aggressive and fail to do the one thing he asks of us – to be his witnesses. That is, openly but unobtrusively, in word and action, to demonstrate his values and his love. To show in this way who we belong to and what he means to us.

Neil Dougall (adapted from Daily Bread AJ09)

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