Simon Peter

Simon Peter reacted to the arrest of Jesus in a rather foolish manner. Do we, like Peter, need to take things into our own hands when difficulties arise and we cannot seem to find our way?

10. 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.

11. 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, KJV

Simon Peter

The soldiers and Judas, as Jesus knew they would, came to the garden to arrest Jesus. How did the disciples react? Though Jesus had spoken of his arrest and death to them on many occasions, the disciples were certainly not prepared for this to happen.

Without even thinking, Peter drew out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. This was not what Jesus intended. 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?

Luke 22 also covers this same event.

50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
(Luke 22:50-51, King James Version)

The disciples were not prepared for Jesus' arrest, and at the words of chastisement from Jesus; everyone of them turned around and fled. In spite of Jesus' words to them that He must die, they were filled with fear. Needless to say, this was an extremely difficult time for the disciples.

We, too, often have times of great difficulty, and are sometimes moved to react like Simon Peter did at the time of Jesus' arrest. Did Jesus need their protection? No! Do we need to take things into our own hands when difficulties arise and we cannot seem to find our way?

Jesus died, but He did not go away. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of all believers. Jesus knows every intimate detail of our lives. We are told in the book of Colossians that we will never be tempted more than we are able to withstand. That does, however, infer that we will be able to withstand the temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit within our hearts.

Peter reacted foolishly, but everything was in Christ Jesus' control. Let us remember this day who controls (or should control) our lives. This same Jesus is alive and active in our hearts, and mercifully grants us the power to face all of the circumstances of life that come our way.

Next: One Man Should Die - verses 12-14