Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.
So what do you think Simon Peter was thinking when he put his hand to the sword and started whittling on Malchus’ ear? Do you suppose this whole thing caught him off guard? After all, I don’t think Jesus mentioned anything about this, did he?
… but now I am going to him who sent me. (John 16: 5)
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16: 7)
Jesus went on to say, ”In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” (John 16: 16)
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (John 16: 20)
I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. (John 16: 28)
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. (John 16: 32)
Oops. I guess Jesus had tried to give Peter a clue after all.
Food for Thought: Put yourself in Simon Peter’s place and ask yourself why you have the urge to cut off somebody’s ear. What do you hear in answer to your question?
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I do not know all of Peter’s motive. There could have been pride involved. There could have been a sincere desire to fight for Jesus. It could have been a response to his own fears. But I do know that Jesus disapproved and it was against His will and purposes. It leads me to a question for myself: how often do I take up the sword instead of relinquishing my will to the Lord?
I think Peter legitimately wanted to defend Jesus and do as he promised in putting his life on the line. The problem was he didn’t get Jesus purpose, he still wanted the conquer the Romans messiah and missed the rest of it. I often wonder what I’m missing because of my own blind spots.
Hmmm… Blind spots and swords. Good questions guys! Scripture offers fascinating challenges in both areas.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Matthew 10:34
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17
He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Matthew 22: 36
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1-2