Itchy Ear!
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servants name was Mal’chus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
…John 18:10-11
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far, And he touched his ear, and healed him.
…Luke 22:51
Many people try to explain how it is to lose a limb still feeling like the absent body part is ever present because of the nerves endings; from limb removal, to breast surgery to losing a finger or two, causing the same reaction. One can place their hands or finger tips there and a longing for that part of the body is still felt. Through time the body adjusts, and most adjust emotionally over time. Extreme measures are never easy no matter the circumstances, but most surgeries are life saving.
Do you suppose Mal’chus felt his ear every once in a while to see if was still there? Can you imagine what it must have been like to feel the pain of his ear cut from the side of his face? Hand over his ear, blood trickled down and panic was sure to have frozen the servant’s ability to react. Interesting how in the book of Luke, the scripture reads, And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.(22:50) Peter’s name wasn’t even mentioned. The book of Matthew and Mark are written the same. The book of John however mentions Peter’s name. Why, they don’t mention Peter, I do not know, but through the Holy Spirit’s leading, the scripture tells us.
When Jesus placed the ear back to its original place, it was placed exactly where it had been, with no scarring or stitches. I believe Mal’chus could not but touch the ear daily, just to remember the miracle Christ performed that day. Did he believe? I don’t know, but I don’t think I could have experienced the touch of the Savior hand without contemplating on His Deity, Power, and then the resurrection. The resurrection was around the corner. Shortly after Christ was taken, he was crucified. Can you imagine the state of confusion this servant must have felt? He must have wondered who this man was. Which master would you have liked to serve? The high priest, or The High Priest?
You can serve the Christ, and gladly let Him be your Master; not as a slave, but as a Child of the King. A servant has no rights, where a Child of the King has an inheritance. Choose you this day—who will you serve?
Have you touched your heart and soul, just as Mal’chus touched his ear?—Does your heart, mind and soul cause you to remember what Christ has done for you? Take time to place your hand on your heart and say a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has made it possible to have a personal relationship with God Almighty.
