Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. John 18:15-18

Peter was not the only disciple hanging around when Jesus was on trial.

I have often heard it said that when Jesus was arrested, all the disciples fled except for Peter. Consequently, I thought that myself for many years (who knows, I could have even blogged as much in the past). I’ve also heard it said that even though Peter denied Jesus we shouldn’t be too harsh on him, because at least he hung around.

True. But he wasn’t the only one.

Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

I’m not sure why we miss this another disciple’s mention so often. Perhaps because the narrative leaves him at this point and follows Peter’s dramatic betrayal. But Peter wouldn’t have even been let into the courtyard if the other disciple didn’t have the connections that he did.

So who is this other disciple?

The TLDR version is that we can’t know for sure. However, tradition assumes it to be John because the gospel writers often do these vague references when they are talking about themselves. So, let’s assume it’s John.

And it’s just speculation… but perhaps this is the reason why John was the only disciple that tradition holds didn’t die a martyr’s death.

John was known to the High Priest. The High Priest would have surely known that John knew Jesus.

This seems likely for a few reasons, including that the servant girl on duty knew:

… the servant girl on duty there… brought Peter in. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

Too. It’s a short word but it makes it clear that the servant girl knew that John had been with Jesus.

And that John, on arrival at Jesus’ trial, had not denied the existence of his relationship with Jesus.

It would have taken a lot of boldness and faith on behalf of ‘the other disciple’ to have hung around while Jesus was questioned by the High Priest. But he did it.

And perhaps that’s why he was rewarded. Avoiding a martyr’s death, he instead penned a revelation which has gone down in history as one of the most fascinating pieces of writing ever produced, giving us a glimpse of the age to come.

Loyalty matters. Loyalty to Jesus matters even more.

When we step out in faith and maintain our loyalty to God the rewards may not come thick and fast. But they do come. Either in this age or in the age to come.

This passage encourages us to ask God to help us maintain our loyalty to him, regardless of whether He rewards our obedience in this life or in the life to come. It will require boldness and faith, but God will give it to us if we ask Him for it.

Who could you encourage to have a bolder faith today?

Yours doing a closer reading,

Alison