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 ...
A recommendable woman [Romans 16:1-2] Have you ever written a letter of recommendation for someone? Most of the students in our church's English Ministry probably know that I did not write the letter of recommendation as a senior pastor, but my wife did for those who needed to submit university applications or for those who were looking a job. All I did was when my wife finished the letters of recommendation, I just signed them. Haha. Still, before I signed, I read what my wife wrote about the student she recommended. And what I felt was that my wife had written a good recommendation letter. The reason I thought so was because I thought that the brothers and sisters that my wife recommended are well drawn out and described well in English sentences that are commendable. I even wrote a letter of recommendation myself. However, the letter of recommendation I wrote was written in Korean. Haha. Bu...