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 ...
Jesus on the road to Golgotha (2) [Luke 23:26-32] During the Wednesday prayer meeting last week, under the heading “Jesus on the road to Golgotha (1),” we meditated on the first thing that happened on the way to Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus. Look at Luke 23:26 – “ As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” When Simon of Cyrene came up to Jerusalem, a Roman soldier was conscripted, captured, and forced to carry the cross. This cross is a horizontal stick and a vertical stick (wood), and there are two theories. A vertical cross was erected on the execution ground, and a horizontal stick (cross) was carried, which is said to weigh about 20 kg. Of course, it...