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 ...
Jesus calling us (1) [Mathew 4:18-22] We all want to live a life that follows Jesus more closely. May we all write “Follow Jesus” on the tablet of our hearts. What must we do to follow Jesus? As we meditate on Matthew 4:18-22, we would like to receive the lesson that God gives us by meditating on the scene where Jesus calls Peter and his brother Andrew, and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. Look at Matthew 4:19 – “Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.” This is the word Jesus said to the fishermen when he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting their nets into the sea while he was walking on the shores of Galilee (v. 18). As I meditated on these words, I divided them into two categories. (1) It is Jesus’ calling. Jesus called Peter and Andrew, “Follow me.” (2) It is Jesus’ promise. That promise is, “I will ...