David Bahn – Reflections

John 18:15-27

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.

¹⁹ The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ²⁰ Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”²² When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” ²⁴ Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

²⁵ Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” ²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” ²⁷ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

The New Mexico Supreme Court just ruled against a Christian photographer who refused to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony seven years ago. At that time and even now the state does not recognize either same-sex marriage or civil unions. Nevertheless the court found that if one is going to engage in public business one must not discriminate for reasons of sexual orientation. They equated the issue with that of racial discrimination – an equivalence that many African Americans, especially Black Christian preachers abhor. Sexual orientation is not the same as ethnicity or racial identity. The photographer and her husband in this case will have had to pay thousands of dollars in attorney fees as well as a lawsuit judgment. Their right to freedom of faith does not overflow into freedom of action in regard to that faith. They believed that to photograph this ceremony was an infringement on their faith; it would amount to denying what they believed to take that job.

In the case of Jesus before the high priest we see guilt and sin on every side. Jesus falsely accused, being struck is a mere prelude to greater and more severe and unjust treatment.  Peter denying Jesus is an obvious sin. But I’m wondering about the servant girl in this story. She often gets a pass when we think about these events. Remarks are made as to how “a mere servant girl” is able to shake Peter – the “Rock Man.” But her insinuation is no less evil than the conspiracy that put the Son of God on trial and sought to make him answer to their sensibilities and ultimately put him to death, rather than listen to his call to repent and believe the Good News of his kingdom.

The servant girl’s insinuation was derisive and ugly: “You’re not one of his followers too are you?” The implication was that there were enough followers of Jesus – one or two might be able to be tolerated. But we surely don’t need any more. We’re trying to get rid of this guy and all his followers. Here we have in bold display the world’s view of Jesus: he gets in the way of life and only causes trouble. He’s to blame.

Peter’s actions here are terrible to be sure. I’ve reflected on that before. But let’s be clear about something else: It is never right to put down the Christian faith – by implication or by accusation. It is not right for the world to reject Jesus and his teaching no matter how much he might get in the way the world’s agenda; no matter how his followers might upset the balance of powers or disrupt the social order. Nor is it right for the world to persecute Christians for reasons of their faith. Whenever we must stand up to such persecution, be it subtle or overt, we can be sure that confessing Jesus as Lord is the right thing to do. We need not be uncivil about it, but we need not hide our faith and values as we live under Christ in his kingdom day by day.

I’m hopeful that many will come to the aid of this photographer and her husband as they seek to be true to their beliefs as Christians. The case seems destined for the Supreme Court. We can only imagine the implications for churches, pastors, photographers, and wedding chapels. Thank God Jesus didn’t flinch when it came time to lay down his life for the sake of the Kingdom of God. He is our champion and refuge as we live, when we are persecuted, and even when we fall. Peter failed, buckling under the pressure of the world. Jesus did not. His is our Savior and our righteousness. May God give us the strength to stand strong in him and forgive us when we fail.