The trial of Jesus is really a trial of all those around him. Peter hits rock bottom as he denies Jesus three times, and Annas fails to grasp his own need for Jesus. Peter’s story is our story: repeated failing, yet restored by the faithfulness of Christ. His story reminds us that Jesus can bring us back from the brink if only we would turn to Him. Our God is high and lifted up, but He also has compassion on those who have hit rock bottom: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15)

Take-Home Message: Christ’s faithfulness triumphs over my failures.

Christ’s faithfulness triumphs over…

My failure to see reality (12-14).

• The Trial of Jesus
  
  • Phase 1 of Jewish trial: Jesus before Annas (Jn. 18:12-14, 19-23).
  • Phase 2 of Jewish trial: Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:57-68).
  • Phase 1 of Roman trial: Jesus before Pilate (Jn. 18:28-38a; Matt. 27:11-14).
  • Phase 2 of Roman trial: Jesus before Herod Antipas (Lk. 23:6-12).
  • Phase 3 of Roman trial: Jesus before Pilate again (Jn. 18:38b-19:16; Matt. 27:15-31).

My failure to follow boldly (15-18).

• Why did Peter deny Jesus?
  • Wrong expectation
• Wrong confidence
• Wrong urgency

My failure to recognize authority (19-24).

My failure to stop failing (25-27).

Message: The Trial and Denial of Jesus

Scripture: John 18:12-27

Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

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