A Good Friend

“Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus” (John 18:10)

Last week we talked about Jesus in the Garden facing arrest by 300 to 600 soldiers.  When the militia told him they were seeking the one named Christ, he answered “I am he.”  The powerful speaking of his name “I am” suddenly and without warning put all the soldiers flat on their backs.  (I wrote a blog about this event on June 6^th of last year if you would like to go back and read it).  As the soldiers were down for the count, Peter decided he would seize the opportunity and take his own action.  Remember, Peter had told Christ, “Even if I have to die with you.”   To Peter, this was his opportunity to prove how brave he was.  So, in his haste, Peter grabbed a sword and asked Christ if he wanted the disciples to smite all the soldiers.  But before Jesus could answer, Peter impulsively brought down the sword in his hand, slicing the right ear off the high priest’s servant Malchus.  Malchus’ entire ear fell into the dirt on the ground. 

Personally, I don’t think Peter was aiming for the servant’s ear.  Why would he want to chop off an ear?  I believe Pete was aiming for the man’s head and swung a little too far to the right.  The Greek language indicates that Peter’s slice with the sword was brought down with a very hard blow.  Sounds to me like Peter’s intent was to kill.  Did Peter swing at just anyone, or did he target Malchus?  Most likely he knew who his victim was.  He had observed Malchus with the High Priest, Caiaphas on many occasions.  Caiphas was very antagonistic to the ministry of Jesus.  Peter was keenly aware of the High Priests hatred for Jesus and knew very well that the Malchus lying on the ground before him was the priest’s personal assistant. 

So, what did Jesus do with this difficult situation?  In spite of the fact that he was about to be arrested and go to the cruelty of the cross, Jesus stepped forward and performed his final miracle – the healing of a heathen man who was his enemy.  In doing so, Jesus demonstrated the love and genuine care that Peter lacked.  Knowing that Peter’s action was criminal and could ruin his entire life.  Knowing that Peter certainly would have been imprisoned, and perhaps even put to death had Malchus bled to death, Jesus put everything on hold and fixed Peter’s mess.  He touched Malchus’ ear with his healing power and restored it.  The Greek word for touch tells us that he firmly grasped his head and held his ear tightly to it.  Everything else was on hold for Jesus so he could heal this man and help his friend, Peter.

As we continue our journey toward Resurrection Sunday, pay close attention to the people in your life.  See what you can do to help them.  Don’t feel you are too busy to get involved in their messy situations.  Yes, many of them are in the mess they’re in, because like Peter, they got themselves into it.  But ask God how you can reach out to the people around you and comfort, assist, support, encourage them where they are.  Our second challenge for this season of preparation is to be good friends to those who need a good friend. 

                                                                                Darlene