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 ...
Spiritual attitude “And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt” (Luke 1 8:9). “The kind of person you are is far more important than the kind of work you do.” When we realize that our existence is more important than our actions, as believers, we must develop appropriate spiritual attitudes within our hearts—one of which is humility. In today's passage Luke 18:9, we see a Pharisee who believed himself to be righteous and looked down on others. He enjoyed being esteemed among people (16:15). His spiritual posture was pride. He considered himself better than even tax collectors and other sinners. Look at the Pharisee's prayer in the parable of Jesus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers,...