DID JESUS GIVE MALCHUS EARS TO HEAR?
All of the gospels tell the story of the high priest’s servant losing an ear to one of the disciple’s swords. Yet, only John names names. We are not surprised to learn that the sword belonged to Simon Peter, but we are somewhat amazed to learn the name of the ear’s owner, namely, “Malchus.” The Synoptics only referred to him as the “high priest’s servant,” but John gave us his name.
John recorded the names, but only Luke recorded the miracle, that Jesus healed the ear. Malchus did not have to go through the rest of his life without his right ear. It’s absence would have always reminded him of the sword, but it’s presence no doubt, always reminded him of Christ’s healing touch.
I wonder. Does John record his name to add further fact to his testimony? Or is it because Malchus became better known to the disciples later on, having become a disciple himself?
Jesus often told the crowds, “He that has ears to hear, let him hear.” I’d like to think that Malchus starting really hearing for the first time that day.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we believe that Jesus still heals ears, so that we can truly hear Your Word and Your Spirit speak. Thank You! Now strengthen us by Your Spirit this day that we might hear and obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.