After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn to look into the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. I have never studies the mighty works of Jesus as a focused effort before and am looking forward to finding nuggets of truth that we can be encouraged by.

I have provided a general introduction, with an opportunity to download two files for your reference in my initial post Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction. I found that the format I used for the parable posts were useful to keep me on track, and will continue to use them for this series, with some minor tweaks. With that said, let’s take a look at

Jesus Heals a Servant’s Severed Ear

Luke 22:50-51

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.

General Observations

The only gospel that speaks of this miracle is Luke. The remaining three gospels speak of the Peter’s sword fight with the servants ear, but do not inform of any healing. Some pertinent information may be culled from the other gospels though.

John 18:10, 11 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 its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

First off – John tells us that Peter was the swordster!

Mark 14:47 – 48 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?

Secondly, Mark records Jesus response to those who were arresting Him. Jesus’ question on their methods of capture speaks volumes to the chief priests understanding of who He was. When did He show any resistance (physically) to the requests of any?

Was He leading a band of sword toting hooligans, just itching for a fight? Just hours earlier, the disciples had requested about having swords, implying that this was a new option for them. They had not bore swords before, and it seems that Jesus’ response was somewhat confusing, when He said “It is enough!” Was He saying that two swords were enough, or that it was enough of this type of question.

When a sword was used (on the poor servant’s ear), Jesus reversed the damaged it caused, so it seems a bit much to consider two swords as something Jesus required, or even advocated. He may simply be responding to their request out of frustration with His disciples faith in swords.

Matthew 26:51 -54 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Finally, Jesus gives the famous quote of taking the sword and dying by the sword. Of course we do not want to go literal here, for we know of many who have never used a 9 mm pistol and yet died from that weapon. He speaks of the nature of those who resort to weapons as a way of life and that this way of life will typically result in the manner of death.

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

This was a busy goup

• Malchus, the healed servant.
• Eleven disciples.
• a great crowd with swords and clubs. (I assume this is different than the soldiers!)
• a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees.
• Judas.

Quite a crowd, yet it was in the dark, in a wooded garden with torches surrounding the Savior. Quite a time of terror!

Two groups were controlled by fear. The guards were intimidated by Jesus, for they fell at His feet. The disciples were intimidated, for some started chopping with a sword.

Two men were not controlled by fear. Of course the Savior was in control of the situation, even to the point of determining who the guards would arrest. The other man not controlled by fear? Judas. He had all earthly authority supporting him, and even the encouragement from the Savior to “do what you came to do”. This courage would soon evaporate!

When did the Lord perform this mighty work?

See https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

Where did the Lord perform this mighty work?

See Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction for downloadable reference file.

Why did the Lord perform this mighty work?

As hinted at above, the Master was a man of peace, a Teacher that brought non violence to the nation of Israel, a Man that taught us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us. He was (and is) a healer, so when His people miss the message and go about hacking at the enemy, His response is to reach out to those hurt and to heal, drawing them to His side, even in the midst of His darkest moment of betrayal.

What was the message for the original audience?

The original audience packed with friends and foes had a message delivered to them, if they wanted to see it. A simple touch by a peaceful man, reversing the effects of a sword hacking fearful follower. (How often I see myself in Peter, trying to defend the Master!)

He did not need the weapon, and Peter’s efforts actually frustrated Jesus plans, for He was going to the cross. He was going to show us much more than a simple healing of an ear. His death would bring healing to any one who would hear His message of peace, understand who this Man of peace actually is and follow after Him.

What is the message for us today?

Of all the miracles He has performed, I see this miracle as one that comes from His nature of peace, from One whose character is rooted in gentleness and non-retaliation, a man who sought good for others, no matter their allegiance. He led His followers by example, and even as they go off on their own, He is constantly leading, teaching, being the Savior of those who need saving.

As you go about your day today, understand that a life of peacemaking is the life of the believer.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Strife, jealousy and a continual arguing with those you work with or associate with are signs you may need to consider as warnings. Be at peace with God, and out of that peace, be at peace with those around you. Be the one who seeks peace, not merely maintain a lack of hostility. We are to be the instigators of peace! Put your sword down, seek the peace of your enemy, and be at peace with God.

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