Devotional Reflection Based on the Incident of Peter Cutting Off Malchus's Ear:

Devotional Reflection Based on the Incident of Peter Cutting Off Malchus's Ear:

“Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.”
(Mark 14:47, Today's Korean Version)

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1. Identifying the People Involved:

• The person who stood beside Jesus and drew the sword was Simon Peter.

• The servant of the high priest was named Malchus.

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”
(John 18:10)

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2. Jesus' Response to Peter's Action:

(a) Jesus said:

• “Permit even this.” (Luke 22:51, KJV: “Suffer ye thus far”; RSV: “No more of this”)

The Greek words clarify this:

• “ἕως τούτου” (“heōs toutou”) = “up to this point” or “even this”

• “ἐᾶτε” (“eate”) = “allow it,” “let it be,” “leave it alone”

Therefore, Jesus is essentially saying:

• “Let them do what they are doing. Do not resist any further.”

• “If I must be arrested, do not interfere.”

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(b) Jesus added:

• “Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
  (Matthew 26:52, TKV)

This is a firm rejection of Peter’s impulsive, emotionally driven act.
(Reference: Hokhmah Study)

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(c) Jesus also said:

“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
(Matthew 26:53, TKV)

• “Twelve legions” is symbolic:

  • It matches the number of the twelve disciples and twelve tribes of Israel (a complete, perfect number in biblical symbolism).

  • A Roman legion = about 6,100 infantry and 726 cavalry.

  • So twelve legions = more than 70,000 angels—far more than enough to defeat a small group of arresting officers.

Jesus is not powerless, but willingly submits to arrest in obedience to Scripture and God’s redemptive plan.
(Matthew 26:54)

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(d) Jesus then said:

• “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
  (John 18:11, TKV)

This recalls Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer:

“Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
(Mark 14:36, TKV)

Jesus had already resolved to suffer according to the Father’s will—He was committed to the “cup of suffering” which represents His redemptive passion.
It affirms Jesus as the Lamb of God, obedient and fully surrendered to God.

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3. Additional Reflection:

Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:52, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword,” resonate with Revelation 13:10:

“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go.
If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”
(Revelation 13:10, TKV)

• The message for believers is not to be ones who fight with the sword, but those called to endure—even to suffer.

• Simon Peter, and we ourselves, must learn patient, enduring faith.

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4. Final Connection:

Peter’s action—though motivated by loyalty—was contrary to the path of God’s redemptive plan.
Just like when Peter once rebuked Jesus for predicting His death (Matthew 16:21–23), Jesus responded with:

“Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

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Conclusion:

Jesus’ command — “Permit even this” — reflects His sovereign submission to the Father’s will and reveals a powerful truth for believers:
We are not to resist suffering in ways that conflict with God's purposes, but to endure with faith, knowing that victory comes not by force, but by obedience, submission, and trust in God.