Malchus’ Ear
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. John 18:10
Simon cut off the servant’s ear and Jesus healed it. We are all familiar with the story but I was reading this and wondering why we know Malchus by name. Is there importance to his name? Malchus in the Strong’s Concordance is defined as:
Malchus = "king or kingdom"
I believe there are two stories being told in this verse. On the surface we see that Jesus was telling Peter do not stop the guards I am ready to do God’s will. But I believe there is also a story of how to oppose the kingdom of darkness. 1. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Eph. 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
So many times we want to look at the person but not the principality at work.
Jesus knew God’s plan is the cross so Malchus was not a threat.
2. Jesus alone defeats Satan
Peter could not partake in the battle. Jesus had to defeat satan alone.
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17 3. The Battle and the Glory belongs to the Lord.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Just like Abraham learned when you try to carry out God’s plan in your way it does not work.
Peter cutting off Malchus ear was a big deal. Peter needed to know that Christ alone was his source of salvation. We, like Peter cannot understand or sometimes receive God’s way but Jesus knew better. Jesus was obedient not only in what he suffered but how he suffered it.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect,
he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9
Kristin Martin 2007
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. John 18:10
Simon cut off the servant’s ear and Jesus healed it. We are all familiar with the story but I was reading this and wondering why we know Malchus by name. Is there importance to his name? Malchus in the Strong’s Concordance is defined as:
Malchus = "king or kingdom"
I believe there are two stories being told in this verse. On the surface we see that Jesus was telling Peter do not stop the guards I am ready to do God’s will. But I believe there is also a story of how to oppose the kingdom of darkness. 1. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Eph. 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
So many times we want to look at the person but not the principality at work.
Jesus knew God’s plan is the cross so Malchus was not a threat.
2. Jesus alone defeats Satan
Peter could not partake in the battle. Jesus had to defeat satan alone.
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17 3. The Battle and the Glory belongs to the Lord.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Just like Abraham learned when you try to carry out God’s plan in your way it does not work.
Peter cutting off Malchus ear was a big deal. Peter needed to know that Christ alone was his source of salvation. We, like Peter cannot understand or sometimes receive God’s way but Jesus knew better. Jesus was obedient not only in what he suffered but how he suffered it.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect,
he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9
Kristin Martin 2007
