Read it please …

10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. 14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Class yesterday (it’s usually the next calendar day before I post the “I forgot to say” Article) discussed the wicked, apostate High Priest of Jesus’ Day! His lineage did much damage to the Cause of Christ. “Annas” means “humble” but he was not!

By why are names such as these, Annas and Caiaphas and Malchus, in this short Paragraph? I believe they add a touch of historicity to the Passage. God’s Word is accurate, infallible even, in every area it addresses, including local events. So, the Holy Spirit at times lets us verify the Text, if we so desire.

One commentator equated Peter’s sin of denial with Judas’ sin of betrayal. Personally, I disagree. Peter repented, but not Judas.

The “Caiaphas” Prophecy, mentioned in verse 14, was clearly meant as EVIL against Jesus. But God turned it into GOOD! That “Good” being our very salvation!

Recall Genesis 50:20 please. Jospeh is speaking to his brothers … “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Wow!

Peter, the essential sword we need as we pursue our Ministries is “the Sword of the Spirit!” Read Ephesians 6:17, Paul’s classic “whole armour of God” Passage.

Peter denied. But Jesus faithfully gave (before Pilate) a “good confession!” Notice 1 Timothy 6:13, an old Preacher to a young one … “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.”

Adam was “driven out” of the Garden of Eden, due to his sin, Genesis 3:24. Jesus was willingly “led out” of the Garden of Gethsemane, to obtain our eternal salvation!

I am particularly enjoying these John Lessons. And as always, you are invited to watch the whole video …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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