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 ...
The problem of sin [Nehemiah 9:1-5] Pastor Dong-won Lee said in his book ‘Acts of Repentance’: ‘As a layman, C.S. Professor Lewis diagnosed the era we live in as an era in which the spirit of seeking has been lost’ (Lee). One of the proofs is that modern people no longer have a serious approach to sin. It means that there are not that many people who are troubled and in pain because of their sins, and who shed tears to try to overcome their sins. That is why there are so many believers who do not experience the thrill of being saved from sin or the joy of overcoming sin. What do you think of this word? Are we worried about our sins? Are we struggling to overcome our sins? Now fewer and fewer believers are humbly listening to sermons pointing out sin. Now the word “sin” may be in danger of disappearing. As 2 Timothy 4:3 says, “the time will come.” That time is none other than the time when peo...