Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the
high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was
Malchus. John 18:10
I believe everything in scripture is important, down to the
smallest detail. John 18:10 tells of
Peter drawing out his sword, and cutting off the ear of the servant of the high
priest. This level of focus on detail is highly valuable.
First, this event took place in the olive garden, at night.
Jesus was being approached by the soldiers, and officers of the high priest and
the Pharisees, to be arrested. It was dark outside, because they brought their
lanterns and torches.
The second thing to note, is that these soldiers and
officers had weapons. However, there were others present. We have Jesus, Judas,
Malchus who was the servant of the high priest, the commander, and the
disciples. There may have been others, but they are not mentioned in this book.
In all of the clamor of soldiers falling to the ground when
Jesus speaks, Judas in full betrayal mode, and disciples in probable confusion,
Peter, with more than likely a myriad of
emotions, takes his sword, aims, and strikes. Remember, it is night. Not much
light, yet somehow he lashes out, and perfectly cuts off an ear. He does not
strike the shoulder, in I am supposing, a downward swipe. He does not hit the
head or the arm, only the small ear. That is remarkable, yet not
coincidental.
Also, I think another thing that is quite remarkable is the
one whom Peter hits. He does not hit one who is bearing a weapon, or at least
it does not say Malchus has a weapon. Not a soldier or an officer but just a
servant, who happens to be the servant of the high priest. Again, not
coincidental.
You see, there is no high priest, but Jesus. He was sent
from God, and was God. He bore the sins of the world on His shoulders. Yet the
worldly high priest of Malchus, refused to listen. He was so steeped in his
rules, and regulations, the ears of his heart would not open up to the truth.
Jesus had said in His sermon on the mount that if one part of our body
separates us from God, we should discard it. Peter’s aim was perfect. He cut
off the part that was useless. The priest certainly was not listening to the
voice of God, and it’s highly unlikely that Malchus was either.
Peter’s aim was on target, although his actions were a little misguided.
Jesus reprimanded him saying. “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to
drink the cup that the Father has given me?” John 18:11
In the beginning Peter floundered, when he denied Christ
three times, but he more than compensated after Jesus ascended into heaven. His
aim in preaching to the Gentiles was right on track. Peter learned to aim
perfectly in God’s calling. He did the work of God until his death. I can only
hope that we would listen to the voice of God, and aim for the purpose of
bringing others to the living bread, water, light, love, and abundant life, of Jesus
Christ.
Dear Christ, What is your goal for me today? Whom do I need
to love, forgive, or tell of you? I am listening, Lord. Amen
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