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 debtor (2) [Romans 8:12-17] How should we live as debtors? First, as debtors, we must not live according to the sinful nature. In a word, as debtors, we should not live according to the sinful nature (Rom. 8:12). We must live by putting to death the misdeeds of the body by the Spirit of Christ (v. 13). We must live as servants of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God (v. 14), obeying God's laws (commands). The Scripture says that these Christians are “sons of God” (v. 14). Second, as debtors, we must live like children of God. Look at Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.” What does it mean to live like children of God? (1) God’s children call God “Abba, Father.” Look ...