12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
Comment: It was illegal for Jews to hold legal proceedings at night. Nevertheless, and it was by now very late and Jesus was before the High Priestly ‘Court’. We are reminded of the accidental prophecy that Caiaphas had spoken. He had meant it to be a political statement but God used the utterance to highlight that it was God’s purpose for Jesus to die for all men’s sin – a theological statement! You will remember that when Peter, full of enthusiastic promise, uttered that he, Peter, would be Jesus’ faithful follower (he meant it!) in every situation, Jesus had said that Peter would even that night deny Him. We see Peter, in fear, beginning to falter.
Prayer: Help me to refrain from finger pointing, Father!
As I read it! 