23/11/12

The mystery man

John 18:15 - And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.


When it comes to the event of Simon Peter's denial of Jesus three times all talk of Simon Peter following Jesus and then denying Him. They give a picture of a lone man slowing and slyly trailing the convoy which took Jesus. I have never heard anyone talk of the other man who accompanied Simon Peter. This man is recorded as just 'another disciple'.

Many commentaries presume this another disciple to be John just because this person is mentioned in the third person.

I have proved in my previous messages that the person 'whom Jesus loved' was not always John for many others in the Gospels were also referred as one 'whom Jesus loved'. Even in this place the mystery man was not John because we see the young girl recognises Simon Peter from the troupe that always followed Jesus but does not mention about this mystery man. This man was known to Caiaphas as well as the girl who was at the gate. Thus this mystery man was not the regular companion of Jesus or may have been one of the new who joined the troupe that followed Jesus, or just a new believer in Jesus Christ.

The questions arises if this person is not identified then why is this person written?

First thing we need to note when Jesus was arrested there was something like a curfew in the town. The Romans and Jewish authorities feared there would be an armed uprising from the disciples of Jesus. The Jewish High Priest had planned Jesus' arrest during the feast of Passover when usually criminals were punished the day before the feast day, making this arrest as something ordinary and thus taking out the awe factor from this arrest.

Had it not been for this mystery man Simon Peter would not have been able to enter the gates of Caiaphas' residence and thus the prophecy of denying Jesus three times would not have been fulfilled.

In today's message the Lord is telling us He has and will put people in our lives. These people are like the mystery man who followed Jesus alone with Peter. It is by the influence or ability of these people the Lord will fulfil His plans in our lives.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Father God, we thank You for the people You have put into our lives. You do all things with purpose. Lord, we thank You for opening the windows of blessings in our lives through these people. These people have a purpose in our lives and are just instruments through whom You work, ultimately all good things come from You and You alone. And for this we thank You...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]
John 18:15-17
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

Matthew 23:9 - And call no man your father [provider] upon the earth: for one is your Father [provider], which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:27-34
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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