Right In Front of Me

There is one character in the story of the night of Jesus' arrest that sticks out. He seems insignificant to what is happening. He’s almost an interruption in the story. He is only mentioned by name in one of the four gospels, even though the description of what occurred is in all four gospels.

Malchus is his name. He works for the people who want Jesus dead. His job, with his compadres, is to seize Jesus and bring him back to the high priest. There he would be subject to questioning, a trial of sorts.

As Malchus and his posse are approaching, Peter takes action to protect Jesus. “With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51). Jesus immediately tells Peter and the rest of his disciples to stop with the violence.

I wonder what Malchus thought at this point. I imagine his was in shock, I would guess he was surprised. He had just been attacked and surely is bleeding profusely.

Then it happens. The gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus touched the man's ear and heals it. In the midst of this chaos, Jesus brings calm and restores.

I’m left wondering what does Malchus do? What does he think? Does he return with the posse or does he stay in the garden? The scripture doesn’t say and we are left to our own imagination.

How many times am I Malchus? In the midst of my hurting and pain, God comes in. Brings calm. Restores me. Do I sit in amazement asking "Did that happen right in front of me?" OR do I just go back to what I was doing?

Which Malchus are you? Stunned with amazement of his glory or stuck in the wallow of our self-righteousness?

Be blessed and be a blessing

Matt

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