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 ...
Causes of church conflict “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; … Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation” ( Romans 12 : 6, 16). How should we view church disputes? Why are churches that should be loved fighting each other? What are the causes of the conflict in the church? One of the causes is the failure to acknowledge diversity. In other words, there is conflict in the church because it does not accept the fact that there are people with various gifts in the church. Often when we look at a couple's dispute, we say: 'You and I are just different, but not wrong.' However, when I actually think about the relationship between husband and wife, it seems that there are...