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 ...
“Let us start rebuilding.” (3) [Nehemiah 2:19-20] A complaining young man came to the king and begged him to teach him how to live a successful life. The king poured wine into a goblet and gave it to the young man, saying: ‘Go around town with a glass of wine and I will teach you the secret of success. However, if you spill the wine, your head will be cut off.’ The young man walked around the city sweating profusely. Then the king asked: ‘What did you see while walking around the city? Have you seen beggars and merchants in the streets? Have you ever heard the singing leaking from the bar?’ The young man replied: ‘I didn’t see or hear anything because I was paying attention to my wine glass.’ Then the king said: ‘That is the secret of success. If you set a firm goal in life and focus on your work, you will not hear the temptations and criticisms around you.’ Peo...