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 ...
When I remember and pray [1 Thessalonians 1:1-3] What do you think is the best thing that you can do for a person you love? I think it is prayer. I think prayer is the best thing we can do for our loved ones. As I am trying to pray to God for the people I love, there is one thing that I have learned about prayer through the Paul's letter in the New Testament. It is to remember and pray for the loved one. For example, in Philippians 1:3, Paul wrote to the Philippian church saints whom he loved with the affection of Christ “… every time I remember you”. He also wrote to the Ephesians church saints “remembering you in my prayers” (Eph. 1:16). So I began to say to my brothers and sisters in Christ around me, "I'm praying for you" as I try to have a habit of remembering them in my prayers. Then, on November 13, 2012, when I was meditating on the Word of God before the Mo...