The light from their “lanterns” and “torches” (John 18:3) cast unnatural shadows as the “large mob with swords and clubs” (Matthew 26:47) entered the Garden of Gethsemane. The well-armed mob, “a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees” (John 18:3), marched noisily into the quiet sanctuary. They were there, not to engage in battle, but to arrest a gentle man, the miracle-working Rabbi, the One proclaimed as the Messiah and Son of David by adoring crowds just days before.
“Judas, one of the Twelve” (Mark 14:43) was in the lead. He knew exactly where to find the Lord, in His favorite place of quiet solitude and prayer. In that serene scene, that peaceful place, the turncoat and traitor, Judas, betrayed the Lord Jesus.
Seeing the throng, and “knowing everything that was about to happen, (Jesus) went out and said to them, ‘Who is it that you’re seeking?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they answered. ‘I am he,’ Jesus told them” (John 18:4-5). “I am!” (Exodus 3:14).
“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus)” (John 18:10). Peter was aiming for the center of his noggin but missed… Obviously Peter wasn’t Zorro!
The physician, Dr. Luke, adds a detail that the other Gospel-writers omitted. “Touching his ear, he healed him” (Luke 22:51).
Only Luke recorded the healing touch. And only John recorded the name, Malchus. I wonder… Why did John recall the name of the “high priest’s servant” (Luke 22:50)? Did their paths cross again? After the miraculous touch of the Master, did Malchus become a faithful follower of Christ? (I’ll ask when I get to Heaven!)
In a voice of great tenderness, Jesus spoke to Peter. “Oh, Peter! You don’t need to fight this battle! With a mere whisper, I could have asked my Father to send ‘twelve legions of angels.’ But this is My mission and purpose! I’ve come to be the ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!’ Oh, Peter! Put away your sword. Quit trying to do it yourself. Trust Me… trust the Father” (Matthew 26:53-54).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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