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 ...
Those who are being led by the Holy Spirit (2) [Romans 8:14-17] Second, let us think about t he cry of “Abba! Father!” Look at Romans 8:15 – “ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” There are several theories about what or who “a spirit of slavery” and “a spirit of adoption” are mentioned here, but they can be summarized into three: (1) The theory that the spirit of slavery or the spirit of adoption refers to our human spirit; (2) The theory that the spirit of slavery is an evil spirit and the spirit of adoption is the Holy Spirit; and (3) The theory that both the spirit of slavery or the spirit of adoption refers to the Holy Spirit. I support the third theory, 'Bo...