"I Am Not": Peter's Denial and the Crisis of Discipleship | John 18:12-27

In this Third Sunday of Lent episode, Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis explore Peter's denial in John's Gospel—a moment that reveals something deeper than we often recognize. Unlike the synoptic gospels where Peter denies knowing Jesus, John's account presents a more profound crisis: Peter denies his own identity as a disciple.

The hosts unpack how John's unique telling positions Peter's three denials ("I am not") against Jesus' bold declarations of identity ("I am") happening simultaneously inside Annas's courtyard. While Jesus speaks openly before authorities, Peter—interrogated by a servant woman at the gate—cannot claim who he truly is. The garden reference, unique to John's Gospel, connects this moment back to the place of intimacy and friendship where Jesus often met with his disciples, making Peter's denial even more poignant.

Karoline Lewis highlights crucial details that preachers might miss: the gatekeeper who questions Peter is the feminine version of the gatekeeper in John 10 who recognizes the good shepherd, yet here Peter is not known. The charcoal fire warming Peter appears again in John 21 when the resurrected Jesus prepares breakfast and restores Peter through the threefold "do you love me?" question—offering redemption rather than shame.

Rolf shares a powerful sermon illustration from Will Willimon about hearing "the cock crow" after witnessing racism and failing to act, connecting Peter's denial to our own moments when we fail to follow Jesus in the face of injustice. The episode challenges listeners to consider: When do we deny our own discipleship? When do we fail to be who Jesus has called us to be?

This episode is essential listening for pastors preparing Lenten sermons, Bible study leaders, seminary students, and anyone seeking to understand the distinctive features of John's passion narrative as we enter the heart of the Lenten season.