“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
This scene is the darkest in human history. Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ former disciple and now betrayer, has arrived with soldiers to betray Him and have Him murdered.
One of Jesus’ followers (possibly Peter) pulls out a sword to fight for Jesus. Apparently, Peter is not much of a trained fighter, as he takes off the ear of Malchus, one of the soldiers, which likely meant he went for the throat but missed. Jesus does not allow the violence to continue or escalate, as He has been praying all night and has accepted the surrendering of His life for the sin of the world. Jesus then heals the man, restoring his ear.
Amazingly, Jesus heals His enemy in this scene, restoring a man to health who will continue his demonic assignment of murdering Him, even though He was sinless. Even though the man was physically healed, there is no indication that he was spiritually saved, putting his trust in Jesus Christ. This should serve as a warning that even those who are physically healed may not soften their heart, turn from their sin, and trust in Jesus Christ for spiritual and eternal healing.
Jesus leads by example that we should not repay those who do evil to us with more evil. Instead, we are to do good to those who hurt us. This is not an easy thing to do, but if Jesus set the precedent, we must seek to honor Him and be more like Him.
Tomorrow’s devotional takes a closer look at Jesus’ healing of a crippled man by a pool.
Are you prepared to do good or bless someone who has wronged/hurt you? Why or why not?
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