Moment of Meditation: Struck the Ear (Matthew 26:51)

''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 (Matthew 26:51).''

One of the disciples, whom John identifies as Simon Peter (18:10), takes his sword and wildly swings it. It finds Malchus' ear and severs it. Jesus' Messianic revolution was finally beginning. Peter smiled widely with bloodlust as he saw visions of himself charging into Jerusalem. Slashing down the elders and chief priests. Placing Jesus on David's throne, with his own throne nearby.

He could see himself being lifted high as the great warrior-priest of the house of Israel. Another Samson. A great and strong redeemer judge of Israel.

But Jesus doesn't have these revolutionary ideas. His revolutionary ideas involve His death and sacrifice. Ideas that no one wants to hear. Peter and the others want a political revolution. Jesus seeks a revolution of the heart. A bloodless revolution. A revolution of repentance. No swordplay in His revolution.

Jesus heals the ear and chastises Peter, as we'll hear next time. Jesus willingly goes with the mob to be crucified. To be stricken, smitten and afflicted for you. Amen.