Malchus’ Ear

People often wonder, “Why doesn’t God just come down and show himself? That way, people would believe.” To that, we can easily say, No, they would not. How do we know? Consider those around the cross.

Our text is Mark 15:29–32.

29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 “save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 32 “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”

Jesus had healed the sick, caused the blind to see, restored lepers, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead. Still they said, Do one more miracle, and we will believe.

Consider the story of “Malchus’ Ear.”

Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas brought Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. In his anger, Peter lashed out with his own sword. John 18:10–11 tells the story.

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Peter cut off Malchus’ ear and Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:51).

Next, John 18:12 tells us, “Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.”

Look closely at that, the soldiers saw Jesus instantly heal an ear that had been cut off and their response was to go ahead and arrest Jesus. All I can say is “Wow! Their eyes saw a miracle, and still they arrested Jesus.” 

Luke 16:31 says it best. “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

If anyone wants to doubt, a miracle will not change their mind. Faith comes from reading God’s Word. (Romans 10:17).

Lonnie Davis