Jesus was led to the high priest to be tried. Peter was loyal to Jesus, but he was not prepared for the crisis, for he did not pray like Jesus. So, he followed at a distance without a decision of faith. Then he sat down around the fire, pretending to be one of them. However, when confronted by a servant girl, he denied even knowing Jesus out of fear. After the first denial, the next two came easily. Just then, the rooster crowed and Jesus turned and looked straight at him. Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus silently bore the soldiers' mockery, beating, and insult like a lamb led to the slaughter (Isa 53:7). However, Jesus was not silent before the council. When they asked Jesus if he was the Messiah, he claimed to be the Messiah (68). When they asked him if he was the Son of God, he said, "I am" (70), not hiding his identity, though he knew that his answer would cause his death. At this, they condemned Jesus as guilty of blasphemy. Jesus was tried before the council as a criminal, though innocent, but he was confident of his victory, having a resurrection faith that he would sit on the throne of God as the Sovereign Ruler and Judge over all mankind through his death and resurrection.


Application: Lord, help me to repent like Peter when I fail and live with unshakable faith in your kingdom.
One Word: Sinless Jesus was tried in my place.