John 18:12-40 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

Do you remember that old disciple who said he would never abandon Jesus? Do you remember the disciple that cut off the ear of Malchus in order to defend Jesus? That very same disciple, by the name of Peter, has his own narrative going on at the same time Jesus' trials are going on. While Jesus is under going scrutiny, so is Peter. There almost appears to be this compare and contrast element happening here. While Jesus is confronting his accusations with boldness, Peter shrinks back in shame. While Jesus presses through without fear, fear dominates the mind of Peter.

Jesus is confident in His mission and doctrine. Peter is not so confident. The accusations Peter receives are no where near what Jesus is receiving. He is simply being noted as someone who was associated with Jesus. Given the current circumstances, Peter folds under the pressure and denies having any relationship with Jesus. Three times over Peter denies Jesus, and Scripture makes it evident it is to his shame. What is note worthy about this for the original audience is they would have known what became of Peter. He was the one who boldly spoke at Pentecost where 3,000 were saved. He planted churches and spread the gospel like wildfire. But here? Here he is a coward. It contrasts greatly with who Jesus redeemed him as.

The lesson is a simple one. Denial of Jesus is a shameful act. While Jesus is proceeding forward, the one's He is dying for are accusing Him, beating Him, and even His own disciples are rejecting Him. But this is exactly why Jesus must do this. He is there to set them free. As Jesus endured the trial, the original audience would see the contrast of their own lives. They were suffering for Christ's sake. John wants them boldened in their faith. They ought to suffer like Christ, not as Peter did there. In fact, I think of the words of Peter that he had learned through his own suffering.

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
-1 Peter 4:1-2

That lesson becomes clear in this text. Suffer for Him as He suffered for you.

What lesson do you see?