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 ) 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 ) 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 ...
God's evaluation of our ministries "The world around us rates our ministries on the basis of the number of people who attend our churches and the magnificence of our buildings and programs. As Jesus' Parable of the Talents reminds us, however, God rates us on the basis of faithfulness to him and diligent use of the gifts he has given us in the context in which he has placed us(Matthew 25:14-30). ... God doesn't evaluate ministry in the same way that the world does." [Iain M. Duguid, "NUMBERS: GOD"S PRESENCE in the WILDERNESS"]