“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.)” John 18:10 NIV
I have always been intrigued by this story. An armed crowd, many of them sent by the Chief Priest, swarms in to arrest Jesus. The High Priest’s slave, Malchus, seizes Jesus. Peter slashes his sword to stop Malchus, cutting off his ear. Jesus stops, amid the blood and chaos, and restores and heals Malchus’ ear. I like to think about how this shifts Malchus’ attitude toward Jesus. This poem details Malchus’ viewpoint.
I bare the name my master gave
Malchus, a ready, faithful slave.
To our high priest Caiaphas
Our signal was to be a kiss.
Somehow, it struck me as unfair.
Betrayed by one of His own care.
My job, to make this strange arrest.
Duty called, to do my best.
I started forward with my sword
To take this man who spoke God’s word.
In searing pain, I stopped and fell.
Who drew a sword, I could not tell.
“Sheath your weapon, Peter, now!
They’re taking me as I allow.”
He touched me then and eased my pain.
My ear, so torn, was whole again.
I stepped aside and let them take
This man, His very life at stake.
For now, I could not lift a hand.
Against this one, Jesus, my friend.
~ Nan Robertson
Christ Fellowship