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 ...
Abraham's faith, our faith [Romans 4:17-25] Look at Romans 4:23-24: “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” If we look at these words, “… it was credited to him …. but also for us, ….” Based on this word, I would like to meditate on Abraham's faith, our faith. First, Abraham's faith was his faith in God. Look at Romans 4:3 – “What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” (1) Abraham's faith was faith in God who raises the dead. Abraham's faith was faith in the God of life, the God who gives life. Look at Romans 4:17, 19: “… in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead … Without weakening in his faith, he faced t...