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 ...
The salvation of God (3) [Romans 8:29-30] Romans 8:29-30 describes the five stages of God's salvation: (1) God foreknew, (2) God predestined, (3) God called, (4) God justified, (5) God glorified. The first stage is ‘God foreknew’ (Rom. 8:29). The word 'God foreknew’ here (v. 29) does not mean that God foreknew that a person would believe in Jesus, but does mean that God loved him beforehand (Mt. 7:15ff.; Amos 3:2; Heb. 12:7). God loved us before the foundation of the world. Look at John 17:24 – “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have give...