And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And He touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:50-51).
Read Luke 22:49-51.
The sleepy disciples quickly awaken at the soldiers' approach. Even though Jesus has stepped forward to shield them (see John 18:4, 8), they ask their Master if He wants them to strike with the sword and defend Him. One doesn't wait for His answer. Peter attacks the servant of the high priest.
Jesus is deeply concerned about the safety of His disciples and those who have come out to arrest Him. Peter's rash act threatens to escalate the tense situation into violence and bloodshed, forcing the soldiers to rush in with drawn weapons to put down the violence. Jesus immediately steps in and defuses it. He commands His disciples to put away their swords (see Matthew 26:52).
Then He demonstrates incredible care for the high priest's servant whose ear Peter has severed. Jesus immediately restores his ear and heals him. He brings peace and calm out of impending chaos.
His actions perfectly display the love He feels for His Father and for each of us. It's a love that will prompt His first words from the cross in a few hours: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34b). And whether that servant ever comes to faith in Jesus or not, for the remainder of his life he will bear the evidence in his body of the last miracle Jesus performed in His earthly life.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You protected Your disciples while demonstrating Your concern for a wounded soldier who had come out against You. Give me such love toward my enemies that I may treat them kindly and You may bring them to faith. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 21-22 Mark 10:1-31
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