The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 18:7-8, “Therefore, He again asked them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ And they said, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’
8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one….”

“When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’” (Luke 22:49-50).

“Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus” (John 18:10).

“But Jesus answered and said, ‘Stop! No more of this.’ And He touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:51).

“So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?’ So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year” (John 18:11-13).

It may well be that I should say no more and simply allow the interlacing of Scripture alone to paint this poignant scene that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane on an eve prior to the crucifixion. Yet here, in these verses alone, do we find the completed action of the disciples in a loving effort to protect their LORD.

One would think that traveling with Him, as they had, would have been sufficient for knowing that He was more than able to care for Himself. Still, human nature being what it is, we can forgive their impetuosity. Yet, they had another lesson to learn before He left them and returned to His Father in Heaven.

In interlacing of the Gospels John and Luke, we have a more complete picture of all that transpired. Noteworthy, too, is Luke’s inclusion of the healing of Malcus’ ear. Luke, you will recall, was a physician. Yet, he steps back, as it were, that Jesus, the Master Healer, might heal Malcus’ severed ear.

The teaching here is as simple as it is meaningful: while Malcus’ presence with the accusatory group demonstrated his opposition to Jesus, His Message, and all for which He stood, the LORD’s restoration of Malcus’ ear demonstrated His Love for even those who hated Him.

Yes, there are times for bearing a sword. Otherwise, why would Jesus not have forbidden it altogether? Yet, on this occasion, the sword’s usage allowed Jesus’ love to be extended to one who was presumed His enemy. Love conquers all. May we never forget it!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom