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 ...
“If God is for us” (6) [Romans 8:31-34] Last week, we meditated on Romans 8:33b-34a, “… It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?” Whoever God justifies can never be condemned. In John 8:3-11, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, put her in the center of the court (v. 3) and said to Jesus: “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” (vv. 4-5) They asked this question in order to find an excuse to test Jesus and accuse him (v. 6). In conclusion, Jesus said to the woman: “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you? … I do not condemn you, either Go From now on sin no more” (vv. 10-11). If Jesus did not condemn her, who would dare to accuse and condemn her? On one! Never! It is God who justifies, and who is...