Exposing Show Trials: Jesus’ Truth Amid Ancient and Modern Denials
John 18:15-18
"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, 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. 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." 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."
Just moments ago at the Garden on the mount of Olives we heard them questioning Jesus, and we heard him saying of himself, "I Am". Now here we are at the courtyard of the High Priest and we hear Peter saying, "I am not" when questioned about being one of Jesus' disciples. Now, Peter, who had boldly pledged loyalty to Jesus (John 13:37), falters under pressure, denying his connection to Him. A stark contrast to Jesus who exuded courage and authority in the face of arrest.
This moment highlights Peter’s human frailty. Standing in the high priest’s courtyard, surrounded by servants and officers warming themselves by a charcoal fire, Peter is confronted by a mere servant girl, likely a low-stakes questioner. Peter’s denial fulfills Jesus’ earlier prediction (John 13:38), revealing the gap between Peter’s intentions and actions. The unnamed disciple, often thought to be John, gains access due to his acquaintance with the high priest, but Peter’s hesitation at the door mirrors his inner conflict, physically close to Jesus, yet spiritually distant. And the fire is no mere insignificant detail. What today serves as a refuge from the cold and dark depths of his failure, will later become a sunrise breakfast cook fire symbolizing redemption and forgiveness in John 21:9.
I think if you were to reflect upon denial and deniers of God you soon realize that most of what goes on in the Bible is various kinds of denials.
Look at Judas Iscariot’s betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; Luke 22:3-6, 47-48). And the Israelites’ denial of God’s covenant (Exodus 32:1-6). Not to mention David’s denial of God’s law (2 Samuel 11). Or the crowd’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15). Throughout the Bible there is this trend to turn away from the truth, even as a matter of seeking after the truth. Which brings to mind what's happening here:
John 18:19-21
"The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 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. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said."
Jesus challenges the legitimacy of the questioning. Jesus is standing on his right to be examined by witnesses and not be forced to testify against himself. Jesus’ response is bold and direct: He asserts that His ministry has been transparent, conducted openly in synagogues and in the temple, with nothing hidden. He is not evading the question but merely pointing out that His teachings are public knowledge, and proper witnesses should be called to testify about that, aligning with Jewish legal principles (Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires multiple witnesses for a charge to stand).
This moment underscores Jesus’ unwavering commitment to truth in contrast to so many denials of truth. Jesus stands firm in His identity and mission, even under the threat of injustice. Even facing this injustice, Jesus embodies truth, refusing to be swayed or silenced. And Jesus is subtly exposing the high priest’s agenda, this inquiry is less about seeking the truth and more about entrapment. This was a "show trial", because the authorities have already decided Jesus’ fate (John 11:49-50).
The questioning in John 18:19-21 isn’t about discovering truth but about manufacturing a case against Jesus. He needed to do this in order to coerce Pilate into executing Jesus for them. In 30AD the Roman occupation of Judea had stripped the Jewish authorities of the right to carry out capital punishment. The Jewish authorities therefore faced a challenge: their primary grievance against Jesus, His claim to be the Messiah or Son of God, was a religious charge of blasphemy (Matthew 26:63-66), which held little weight under the Roman law. To secure Pilate’s cooperation, they needed a charge that would portray Jesus as a political threat. The Roman restriction on Jewish executions forced the religious leaders to craft a narrative that would resonate with Roman concerns. This is why the trial shifts focus later to accusations of Jesus claiming to be "King of the Jews" (John 18:33; Luke 23:2-3), implying sedition against Rome.
The Roman occupation’s removal of the Sanhedrin’s execution rights amplifies this theme of denial. The Roman context heightens the stakes. Peter’s fear of association with Jesus likely stems from the volatile political climate under this Roman rule. And likewise, the Roman occupation impacted the High Priest's willingness to exploit the system in order to achieve his goal, further rejecting the truth of Jesus’ identity as Messiah. All of this compromise is driven by a desire for control in uncertain times.
How do external pressures (social, cultural, or political) tempt you to compromise truth today?
The religious leaders’ need to coerce Pilate reflects how systems can distort truth in order to protect themselves from persecution or loss of power and influence. In today’s world, social pressures often come from the fear of being ostracized, criticized, or "canceled" for holding too tightly to certain beliefs. Especially in matters that have to do with Jesus. For example, expressing a faith-based view on controversial issues might invite backlash, tempting us to stay silent or dilute our convictions. Peter’s denial in John 18:15-18, driven by fear of association with Jesus in the volatile Roman context, mirrors this. Standing by the charcoal fire, he says, "I am not," to avoid scrutiny from a mere servant girl, reflecting how fear of social consequences can lead to denying truth.
Meanwhile, back at the show trial, Jesus' firm stance in his truth gets him in more trouble:
John 18:22-23
"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?" 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?"
When have you felt tempted to stay silent about your faith or values to avoid conflict or rejection? How can Jesus’ bold truth-telling in John 18:19-21, despite the threat of death, inspire you to speak truth courageously?
All of this mirrors our modern systems; governments, corporations, or even religious institutions, that prioritize self-preservation over the truth. For example:
Media outlets or social platforms can amplify distorted narratives to protect agendas, much like the religious leaders reframed Jesus as a political threat. Organizations may suppress truth to avoid scandal or loss of influence, echoing the Sanhedrin’s fear of Roman intervention (John 11:48). Societal norms can pressure individuals to conform, similar to how the crowd’s rejection of Jesus (Matthew 27:15-26) was swayed by the leaders’ agenda. And you might see this and come away cynical about trusting people, churches, and maybe even God.
In our modern context of clickbait headlines, selective reporting, the influence of Ai, or algorithm-driven content, everything can be used to obscure the truth to maintain influence or profit, paralleling the high priest’s manipulative questioning to entrap Jesus. And even when you might get to feeling a little guilty about it all, the religious leaders’ willingness to sacrifice Jesus for "the good of the nation" (John 11:49-50) reflects how our organizations and institutions prioritize stability over integrity.
Today, fear of being labeled intolerant or facing social backlash can lead to the silencing of the truth, much like Peter’s fear-driven denial at the charcoal fire. But the biblical narrative, particularly in John 18, offers us a path through this cynicism by anchoring us in Jesus’ unwavering truth and the hope of redemption. Jesus stands firm through it all. His commitment to the truth, despite a corrupt trial, reminds us that truth is not ultimately defined by flawed systems or human denials. Jesus, as "the truth" (John 14:6), transcends the failures of the Sanhedrin, Pilate, our institutions, or Peter. When cynicism creeps in, focusing on Jesus’ steadfastness can rebuild trust in God’s unchanging nature.
Endure this brief time of struggle. When media or institutions distort truth, turn to Scripture and prayer to ground yourself in God’s truth. God’s grace redeems even those who deny truth, offering hope that churches or individuals can turn back to Him.
Remember the apostle's words:
Romans 8:18
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Paul’s assurance that these sufferings pale in comparison to the "glory that is to be revealed" echoes the redemption symbolized by the charcoal fire in John 21:9-17, where Jesus restores Peter. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary denials or injustices to God’s ultimate victory, countering cynicism with hope.
When faced with distorted narratives or pressure to conform, how can you actively uphold truth (In prayer, Scripture, or advocacy) while resting in the hope of God’s glory?
As you navigate the pressures that tempt you to compromise or create cynicism, let Paul’s perspective and Jesus’ example inspire you to stand firm in truth, trusting God’s redemptive plan to overcome our human failures.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We confess the times we’ve compromised truth under social, cultural, or political pressures, like Peter’s “I am not” or the religious leaders’ manipulation. Forgive us when fear or desire for control leads us to deny You. Guard our hearts against cynicism toward people, churches, or even You, Father. When we see truth twisted for self-preservation, remind us of Your sovereignty and redemptive plan, which turned the cross into salvation. Give us your Spirit of Truth so that he will guide us as we engage broken systems with grace, and trust in Your glory that far outweighs our trials.
We pray this in Jesus’ holy name.
Amen.