HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
The scene was tense and chaotic. Judas arrives with a band of soldiers and officers who are armed and ready for a fight. The apostles are confused and not sure how they should react. Should they fight? Should they run? Should they just do nothing? While some of the apostles turn to Jesus for guidance, Peter takes matters into his own hand and draws his sword, striking the servant of the high priest. But what happens next is truly amazing. As He had done on other occasions throughout His ministry, Jesus brought calm to the chaos. He puts a stop to the violence and bloodshed as quickly as it begins and, in an incredible act of mercy and compassion, heals the injured servant. Can you imagine being Malchus? You are there to take Jesus into custody and lead Him to what will surely end in His death. But He shows nothing but kindness and love toward you. What would you do? How would you respond? Could you continue with your duty, or would you be forced to change your mind? We read nothing more of Malchus and do not know what became of him, but it is difficult to believe that He wasn’t changed by His experience with Jesus on that night.
What would you have done if you had been in Malchus’ place?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
