The Other Disciple

John 18:15-18 & 25-27 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself…25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
 
THIS scripture repeats from the previous lesson, so we can focus on the other disciple with Jesus in Annas’ courtyard. The unnamed disciple is likely one who is not of the Twelve. He was a disciple because he had sat under Jesus’ teachings. We must always remember that as Jesus’ story unfolds in the gospels, there are many, many people who followed Jesus to learn from his teachings.  
   What do you think this disciple was doing as people confronted Peter? Consider he was Peter’s entrance to Annas’ courtyard. Surely he stayed close to Peter. Perhaps he hoped Peter would do something to defend Jesus. Peter was a leader, and this unnamed disciple was prepared to follow his actions.
   But Peter only acted to defend himself and deny his relationship with Jesus. With each of Peter’s oaths and denials, do you think the unnamed disciple wondered, “What are you saying, Peter?” Perhaps the disciple began to wonder, “Should I do something? Should I confront Peter? He came here to stand with Jesus, but now he’s abandoning Jesus all to the Jews.” Or the unnamed disciple may have separated from Peter and quietly left the courtyard, not wanting to stand alone for Jesus.
   What happens when you are surrounded by sin, and you know the truth? What do you do when wrong is having its way over innocent people? Do you speak boldly for the truth? Or are you silent to remain in the background? Do you hope you can quietly walk away from the trouble?
   The unnamed disciple has been ignored throughout history. But is he another example of Jesus’ disciples denying him that cold morning? Is his silence as loud as Peter’s oaths?
   One thing is clear. You do not want to be an unnamed disciple of Jesus Christ. If you strive to follow the Lord’s Truth, your task is to make the LORD God known. You are to stand against evil’s confrontations to stand on God’s righteousness. God has gifted you to know him. Be disciplined to know and live his truth. May your legacy be one of a strong, sure voice for Jesus.