BRMC Small Group Study: John 18:12-27 Leaders Guide

Please note that the suggestions below are not model answers but to help guide your study. Feel free to adapt the questions for your group. Leader’s Notes:

Context: Jesus has just been arrested and is brought for questioning before Annas, the previous high priest. In Jewish culture, the previous high priests hold the same authority and will continue to be called high priest even if someone else has taken over.

Introduction: In this study, we see Jesus interrogated by Annas the previous high priest and also Peter denying being connected to Jesus. We will look at how people have generally reacted to the truth of the Gospel.

Lesson Objectives:  To see how Peter, Annas, and Jesus have provided different reactions to the truth of the Gospel.  To think about our reactions when confronted with the Gospel

Recap 1. Drawing from the previous study, what are some ways that you have advanced God’s kingdom since you last met?

Peter 2. Who are the people who questioned Peter?  Servant girl at the door (John 18:16-17).  One of the people standing by the fire (John 18:25).  One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off (John 18:26-27).  These people were part of the posse that arrested Jesus. Peter was clearly in the company of the enemy camp.

3. Why do you suppose Peter reacted the way he did when questioned?  He was fearful of the repercussions of acknowledging Jesus. Perhaps, he was also afraid of being tried and killed.  In all 3 instances, Peter was standing at the courtyard outside where Jesus was questioned by the high priest.

4. Share an instance in your life where you felt prompted to stand up for something (or for Christ) but was too afraid to.  Often we find it difficult to stand up to others out of fear. However, Matthew 28:20 reminds us that God is with us always to the end of the age, and thus we have nothing to fear when we are walking in God’s purposes.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed —a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” - Romans 1:16-17.

Annas 5. What was the context of the Jews arresting Jesus?  The Jewish community may have felt that Jesus was a blasphemous false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:5).  The Priests were afraid of unrest that would cause them to lose their power under the Roman Empire. They were afraid that they would lose the favour of the people if they saw him as king (John 6:15).  It was also possible that the Jewish leaders feared that if Jesus were to lead a rebellion against the Romans, the full might of the Roman Empire might be forced upon them.

6. How had Jesus previously talked about his role as the Messiah? Why did Annas find this difficult to believe?  There are many occasions where Jesus indirectly suggested his divinity. An example of this was when Jesus forgave the sins of a paralyzed man, saying that “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12). However, the teachers of the law said that Jesus was blaspheming. Annas would also have thought the same way.  Ironically, when Jesus revealed himself to the Samaritan Woman as the Messiah (John 4:25-26), she believed in him and immediately began to bear witness of his identity to the other Samaritans. A sinner was able to believe in Jesus and his identity, but the religious leader could not believe in the same way.

7. What steps could Annas have taken to verify Jesus’ words?  Annas could have gathered the witnesses and questioned them.  He could ask to hear Jesus’ teachings personally.  He could look at the scriptures to see if they supported the claims of Jesus.  This shows us that Annas did not diligently seek to prove Jesus’ innocence or guilt but relied upon his preconceived notions and hearsay of who Jesus is.  We should all diligently investigate the claims of Jesus for ourselves.

Jesus 8. How does Jesus’ response differ from Peter and Annas?  Unlike the fear that Peter felt and the stubbornness of Annas, Jesus was assured of the result of his ministry. As such, he did not see the need to defend his teachings before the high priest but directed the high priest to ask those who have heard Jesus’ teachings.

9. If you were asked to give a statement for The Straits Times to defend your Christian faith, what are some truths that you would be willing to testify? Consider the possible consequences to your social standing and work opportunities.

Additional Discussion 10. What is the Gospel to you? How assured are you of the truth of the Gospel?

11. What kind of a witness are you? How can you be a better witness of the Gospel?