“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.
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
– John 18:10 -11
Recommended Reading:
John 18:10 -11
We all know the story. Peter, who cut off Malchus’ ear, had a history of impulsive behavior. He loved Jesus deeply, but he sometimes let his strong emotions interfere with his judgment.
In this particular instance, Peter had good intentions but Peter let his emotions interfere with God’s perfect will. Peter acted on emotion and impulse, not discernment. Peter felt that by drawing his sword, he could fix the “problem” he saw in front of him. Peter’s actions didn’t fix a problem, Peter’s actions CREATED a problem.
Malchus was in GOD’S perfect will. He was all part of God’s plan for Jesus on the journey to the Cross. To Peter, Malchus was a hindrance but to Jesus, Malchus would be his last miracle before the cross.
Be careful drawing your sword to smite those with whom you “feel” are a hindrance. Be careful drawing your sword to smite others in an attempt to “save” the cause of Christ. The very person Peter attacked, was the very person Jesus healed. Do you notice the contrast? Peter acted out of arrogance and emotion, Jesus remained calm, collected, compassionate, and immediately performed a miracle on the very man that Peter attempted to slay.
Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. You’ll find when you are walking with Jesus, He doesn’t need you to slay who you think is the enemy. He has a way of using those with whom we think are against us, as the very ones to help solidify His perfect will for our lives.
Finally, notice in the heat of the moment, in the midst of a chaotic situation, the contrast between Peter and Jesus. Peter lashed out, Jesus remained calm. Peter was ready to kill, Jesus was ready to heal.
Do you truly want to be like Jesus? Being quick to draw a sword on someone else isn’t the answer. You will be like Jesus when you’re able to look at the very ones, with compassion and love that are ushering you to YOUR CROSS, realizing they are all a part of God’s will for your journey to your destination.