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 ...
Introduction Who is a real Christian? Who is a true Christian? How many people are there who are self-proclaimed Christians and seemingly Christians, but their faith is immature and they are so close to unbelievers? How many self-proclaimed Christians are there who have faith but are easily tempted and whose hearts are easily shaken, who are unfamiliar with the basic doctrines taught in the Bible, and who break the unity of the church by envying and bringing conflicts to the church? In particular, how many Christians are there in the church who rely on riches rather than God, who cast off restraint but trying to justify themselves? How many Christians are there who don’t obey God and do things in their own stubbornness, who don’t follow the Holy Spirit but sin after their own flesh, and who don’t keep the Word of God ...