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 we do not know what to do “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). I sometimes do not know what to do. Actually, it seems that more and more I don’t know what to do. When I immigrated to America at the age of twelve, I didn’t even know any English alphabet. But when I went to school, a teacher said to all the class that there would be test next day, memorizing twenty English words. I didn’t know what to do. I cried that night and barely memorized all twenty English words. Next day I went to school and tried to take the exam, but the teacher said I don’t need to take the test because I came yesterday. I couldn’t believe it. I still remember I couldn’t adapt to American culture when I was adolescent. In addition...