Lutheran Devotional 8 March 2026, Sunday Message
TOPIC: Tiny Miracle
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 its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?” (John 18:10-11)
I love this last tiny miracle that Jesus does, just before they take Him away to suffering and death. His heart goes out to one of His enemies—a man sent to arrest Him! And Jesus touches his ear and heals him (see Luke 22:49-51). The fact that John can tell us Malchus’ name means that it’s very likely he wound up in the early Christian church as a believer in Jesus.
To be sure, there is more than just simple compassion going on here. Jesus is protecting Peter as well—because it would be hard to drag Peter into court when everyone can see his victim has two healthy ears!
Then, too, Jesus wants Peter to understand what we all too often forget. Jesus is Peter’s protector, not the other way around—and right now, He is carrying out the plan that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit determined before the beginning of the world, to save Peter and all of us from the power of evil. Jesus will drink the cup of suffering and death to the bottom. And when He rises on the third day, He will share His everlasting life, joy, and peace with all of us—everyone who trusts in Him.
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for drinking that cup for my sake, and giving me life in You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What do you think Malchus said to his family when he got home?
- Does God ever need us to protect Him?
- Is it ever a good idea for the church to use force to do what we think is right?
Today’s Readings: Leviticus 25; Mark 11:1-18
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
