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 ...
Our strength [Nehemiah 8:9-12] It is said that there is no mysterious insect like an ant among insects with life. Have you ever seen an ant dragging prey many times larger than itself with its small body? An observer who was watching an ant dragging a dead locust weighed the ant and found that the ant was dragging 60 times more weight than itself. How can the ant do something like that? That ability is a wonderful gift that God gave to creation (Internet). Proverbs 6:6 tells us: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” How do we compare ants to us? We humans are gifted with greater strength and abilities than ants. That is why Paul confessed, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). But too many of us, Christians, live a powerless life. ‘I can do all things in the Lord who gives me strength’ is a verse in the Bible,...