John 18:10-11, Matthew 26:51, Luke 22:51

Immediately after witnessing the agony of the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were plunged into another crisis when suddenly the Temple guards arrived to arrest Jesus, The disciples did not expect this, nor were prepared for this rude and frightening interruption within the sanctity of their place of prayer.

But Jesus was not taken by surprise and “knowing all things” he went forward and met them with a question, “Whom are you seeking?” (John 18:3-6). They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth”, to which Jesus answered, “I am”. This is the divine name (Exodus 3:14) indicating he was far more than a man and at which the guards fell backwards on the ground. At the mention of that name, all his opposition withered and fell before him.

Jesus knew all along that he was to be arrested and he never resisted or took the opportunity to escape when he could have done so. Instead, he allowed himself to be bound with cords, but not before he had given one last command and that was for his disciples to be left to go free and not be molested (John 18:8-9). Right to the very end, he put his disciples first.

Faced with such a terrible turn of events and the refusal of the Lord to take action, Peter became flustered and reacted in desperation. He had a sword at hand, but he was a fisherman, not a swordsman, and when he lashed out with it, he cut off the right ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Even though we may not think much of this event, it was significant for the Gospel writer to record which ear it was that was cut off and that the Lord healed it.

Now we see the Lord do a miracle for the injured man and also for Peter when once again he had acted in haste and without thought. Jesus instantly took control of the situation. He said, “Enough of this”. (Luke 22:51). Evidently, the disciples had misunderstood the Lord’s previous instruction about swords and taken it far too literally, and now Jesus made it clear that he did not approve of violence in his name. (Luke 22:36-38, Matthew 26:52). Peter had resorted to the arm of flesh, whereas the Lord declared that even at that very moment, he could call more than twelve legions of angels to deliver him. (Matthew 26:53). Twelve legions represented 72,000 angels!

Imagine this dramatic healing if you are able. It says “he touched his ear” and it was immediately fully attached and totally healed. Everyone must have seen the miracle yet it did not impact them sufficiently to stop them from doing what they had been sent to do. This is the only time that Jesus healed a fresh flesh wound without any evidence of faith on the part of the one being healed. Jesus did it to stop the violence for which Peter may have had to face the consequences, possible arrest and even death. Once again we see how the Lord intervened on his behalf. This was the last time Jesus used his divine power and once again it was not for himself but for someone else.

Did this official come to faith in Jesus? I believe he did – certainly Luke records the miracle in detail even to which ear was cut off. This seems to me to be a very personal detail of the incident and the man’s name is also recorded as Malchus. (John 18:10). How did Luke know his name unless he had become a believer and the disciples met him afterwards when he became a follower of the Lord? 

It was after this miracle that the disciple’s courage failed and they fled. (Mark 15:50). It was the last miracle Jesus did in his earthly life. It was done for his disciples, especially Peter, and brought salvation to a man in need. 

So often, if we do not keep our eyes on Jesus, we too may end up fleeing when we should be trusting.

Right from the start, Jesus was in full control of everything, and he still is, no matter how things may appear to us. He is aware of our weaknesses, and he is faithful and will never leave us or fail us. Do not look to the arm of flesh but to the Lord of Heaven and earth. Keep your eyes focused on him. He has gone ahead of us to take care of every need.

Not only that but he is always with us and able to make all things, even our mistakes, work together to bring good to us and others. (Romans 8:28). Commit everything to the Lord, even those things that do not appear good, he is still able to do miracles. 

He will be with you in the hour of your need. 

The Lord will be with us in the hour of need. He is able to turn our mistakes into blessings.

What can you learn from these events?