John 18:15-18 “Why Peter Follows Jesus After His Arrest”

Why Peter Follows Jesus After His Arrest

Bible Study Guide

(Verse 15) It’s probably one of the most recognized scenes in the passion of Christ. At the same time, it’s likely the most misunderstood. What’s really happening as Peter follows Jesus? It begs further examination around the question, “Why did Peter deny Jesus?”

But first, let’s take a closer look at this scene and answer some more basic questions around Peter’s actions. For example, why Peter follows Jesus with only one other disciple. Where are the other disciples in this scene? Let’s take a look.

John records that Peter is following Jesus with another disciple. First, who’s this “other disciple” that Peter is following Jesus with? Scripture doesn’t give us the answer to this question. Many Bible scholars believe that this “other disciple” is John, the author of this gospel.

Where Are the Other Disciples?

Secondly, there is something very striking about this scene. And I use the word striking as a hint to what I’m about to point out. Shouldn’t there be more people in this scene? It was only hours ago that Jesus was with the eleven disciples when He left the upper room and crossed the Kidron Valley to enter the garden on the Mount of Olives.

But John only records two disciples following Jesus after His arrest. Where are the other nine disciples”

Mark records the answer in his account of Peter’s denial of Christ. In Mark’s passage, Jesus quoted the Old Testament about what would happen to the disciples after Jesus was arrested. The quote is from the prophet Zechariah prophesying about the arrest and eventual death of Jesus.

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written (Zechariah 13:7):
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” (Mark 14:27-29)

Notice how Peter responds that he’ll not fall away even if all the other disciples do.

Did Peter Love Jesus?

Yes! Absolutely! Let’s remember how Peter’s relationship with his teacher began. It started with three simple words from Christ. “Come, follow me.”

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22)

When Peter heard the glory of God with all His holiness and righteousness flow from those three words into his soul, he dropped everything and began following Jesus.

Peter proved his love for his Messiah on several occasions. We should have no doubt in our minds that Peter loved his Lord and Savior.

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
(John 13:36-38)

We have no reason to believe that Peter didn’t mean those words when he told Jesus that he would lay down his life for Him.

He again speaks of his devotion to his beloved Teacher in a record from Luke’s gospel.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
(Luke 22:31-33)

Here, Peter clearly states his love for His Messiah.

Why Peter Follows Jesus?

(Verse 16) It was Peter’s naturally brave inclination that he would follow Jesus to the ends of the earth and back. This was evident from the first time they met.

The situation Peter finds himself in is suddenly much different than any other. As he follows Jesus, he’s walking with a familiar companion. The fear of Jesus’ imminent death occupies his mind. That fear grows into the possibility of his own death once they recognize him as a follower of Christ.

As John records that Peter was not familiar with the High Priests. This meant he was not allowed into the courtyard. Then, the other disciple continued on.

(Verse 17) In just a quick moment, Peter found himself alone with his fear swelling up inside him. John records a servant girl whom he asked to allow Peter into the courtyard.

Take notice of her question. It’s as though she understood the tremendous pressure of the situation that Peter was in. So she then frames her question to him in a non accusatory manner as if expecting him to reply “no.”

“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.
He replied, “I am not.” (John 18:17)

Peter Follows Jesus Then Denies Him

Suddenly, Peter’s situation grows more dire. He’s alone, afraid and he just witnessed himself denying Jesus for the first time.

But look closely. Peter is not about to leave. His curiosity will force him to blend in with those around the fire trying to stay warm. This will keep him from gaining any attention to himself.

Besides being brave, curious, and his love for Jesus, there are likely other reasons why Peter follows Jesus after His arrest. We won’t ever know all the reasons.

One thing is certain. Peter had to follow Jesus at that moment. Jesus’ words of Peter’s denial had to be fulfilled just as Christ described them. In order for that to occur, Peter had to be there at the scene, being sifted like wheat by Satan.

Peter’s denial of Jesus had to occur and thus the main character of the scene found himself in the very spotlight Jesus told him he would be.

Knowing what we now know about Peter, it begs the most important question of all.

Why did Peter deny Jesus?

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