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 ...
“Cast your burden upon the Lord” [Psalms 55] The world makes us to carry heavy burdens on our minds gradually. This world can only give us anxiety, worry, sadness, and pain. But we Christians are laying down heavy burdens before the Lord continually and enjoying the peace that the Lord gives us. But somehow it seems that we are not good at laying down our heavy burdens. What do you think is the cause? I looked up the answer in Pastor Lee's book, ‘Putting it down’: ‘Satan, who is the master of the world, tempts us to keep having it and to keep holding it.’ I agree with this statement. Satan's work is constantly tempting us to ‘hold on.’ And among the things that Satan tempts us to hold on are 'past baggage', and hurt, pain, bitterness, anxiety, and worry that are heavy burdens on our mind. But the Bible 1 Peter 5:7 says: “casting all your anxiety on Him, becau...