Jesus is being betrayed. Romans are surrounding them. Remember, Romans thought Jews to be beneath them and even the wrong touch or look could have gotten a Jewish person killed. Yet we read, “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?” Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.” John 18:10-12
The focus was so much on Jesus, Peter didn’t matter. Peter should have been killed right there on the spot, if not closely after. Yet we see them only take Jesus. We even see a short time later, “One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”” (John 18:26). I would think if you just witnessed your family member’s ear get cut off you would recognize the guy who did it. There wouldn’t be a question if it was him or not.
Shortly after Pilate would ask Jesus if He was King of the Jews. “Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”” (John 18:34).
People witnessed the same betrayal, the same miracle and their response was much different. Even Pilate got a chance to choose what to believe about Jesus. As we focus on Jesus He asks us the same question. Is Jesus a king or your King? Are you listening to what others believe about Him or are you settled on what you believe about Him? Situations will happen in life and with each moment and breath we take we make the decision of what our life is centered upon. Jesus as a king or Jesus as OUR KING!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.