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 ...
Day 13: Luke 23, Romans 6:23 He ought not to live any longer The Apostle Paul was an upright and blameless man. However, he was marked as a man who out not to live any longer by all the Jewish crowds. Governor Festus could not find any punishable offense in him, but the Jewish people branded him as someone not to be spared, treating him as if he were a condemned criminal. When we look at him, we think of Jesus. When accused, Pilate, even though he found no crime worthy of death in Jesus, allowed the Jewish crowd to crucify Him on the cross (Lk. 23). How unjust a death was this? Why did Jesus have to be put to death on the accursed tree of the cross? The reason is to grant eternal life to you and me (Rom. 6:23). Do you not desire to receive this gift of eternal life? To receive it, you must believe in Jesus. May God grant you the faith that leads to salvation. ...