John 18:1-11 Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”
And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
Jesus has prayed for himself, for the disciples, and even for us. But now the hour of betrayal has come. How does Judas know where to find Jesus? It’s likely that during supper, Jesus has mentioned that the disciples and he will go out to the Garden of Gethsemane later for prayer. Judas knows the place and shows up with a mob of temple soldiers carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. The Pharisees and priests are leaving nothing to chance.
When this gang appears, Jesus steps forward, asking them whom they are seeking. Jesus already knows that his arrest is coming, but there is no reason for the disciples to suffer in addition. Here Jesus models best quality leadership. If Jesus were a poor leader, he would readily allow the disciples to be arrested as well; after all, why should he suffer alone? But Jesus knows that he’s the only one the religious leaders really are targeting, and he steps forward, protecting the disciples and fulfilling prophecy as he does so.
The High Priest has one unfortunate servant named Malchus who has been forced to accompany the group. Quite possibly, Malchus has been enjoying Jesus’ teaching and has no animosity against Jesus personally. But Malchus is standing there when Peter draws his sword and slashes out, slicing off Malchus’ ear. While John does not describe the scene that follows, other Gospel writers do, and we know that Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword and then reaches out and heals Malchus’ ear, reattaching it to his head instantly.
While this healing might seem insignificant in light of all the miracles Jesus has performed previously, Malchus has the singular honor of receiving the last miracle Jesus will perform in his earthly life. But for some of us in ministry, Malchus also has another place in our affections.
Margery Foyle, a veteran missionary and author of many books on missionary stress and emotional healing, speaks of “Malchus’ ear situations.” It’s no secret that some of the biggest challenges in ministry come when we try to relate to our fellow ministers or missionaries. Cultural differences, personality clashes, and the simple accumulation of emotional grime from the stresses of daily living can all lead us to make mistakes that might seem as irreparable as Peter’s mistake when he sliced off Malchus’ ear. We say things or do things that offend others deeply, using the knives of our wit to cut just as surely as has Peter’s sword. Once that ear falls to the ground, Peter likely feels horrible! What has he done? But the ear is gone….or is it? That’s when Jesus steps in and heals the situation and Malchus.
To Margery Foyle, “Malchus ear situations” are situations in which we have completely messed up; yet, somehow, we must get past the insults we have offered or the offenses we have committed so that we can continue to work with those whom we have wounded. That’s when we need to pray, “Lord, please heal this situation as You did Malchus’ ear.” Even when we feel that we have told nothing more than the truth, we still must find a means of relating to others. For such crises, Foyle recommends the “Malchus’ ear prayer.”
Notice this prayer has two parts: first, we must acknowledge that we have offended someone. When we refuse to believe that we have acted offensively, God cannot work. It’s only when we confess our sins that God can move.
Notice that this prayer does not demand that we lie to ourselves or to anyone else. Many times, truth is offensive and when we speak truth, we offend. But there are ways and means of speaking truth so as to try to avoid as much offense as possible. Proverbs 21:1 says that “The King’s heart is as a water course in the hand of the Lord and He turns it where He wills.” God can change hearts and minds when we allow Him to do so.
May God help us, so that when we find ourselves in conflict situations, we may pray “Malchus’ ear prayers.”
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, we confess that we have offended and continue to offend, even when we have no intention of doing so. Please heal the interpersonal relationships that need healing. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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