Concise Bible Commentary:

Luke

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Explanation: In Luke 22:47-53, Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by a crowd consisting of chief priests, elders and officers of the temple guard. During the arrest, Peter (John 18:1-14) withdrew his sword (likely a small knife used for practical purposes) and injured a servant of the High Priest by cutting off his ear. In response, Jesus calmed the hostilities by rebuking his disciples, healing the man and submitting to those who had come to arrest him.

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Application: Jesus did something highly symbolic and significant by healing the servant of the High Priest. First, Jesus evidenced his mission by showing that he came to save (and to heal) his enemies. Even those who came to arrest Jesus received his healing touch, and such is the heart of God for all sinners. Second, Jesus removed the evidence that would have been used to prosecute and condemn Peter (the injured ear). Attacking the servant of the High Priest was akin to attacking the High Priest and was potentially punishable by death. However, Jesus removed the evidence that Peter had committed a crime and thereby freed Peter from the accusations of his enemies. Also, by prosecuting Peter, acknowledgement would have to be made that Jesus had performed a notable sign (Jesus had miraculously put the ear back on), which would undermine the accusations of blasphemy being brought against Jesus (that Jesus was working outside or against the will of God). Jesus therefore trapped those who had come to arrest him while also ensuring that Peter could walk away free.

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The healing of the servant of the High Priest and the freeing of Peter provide a powerful picture of redemption in Christ. Like Peter, we have acted foolishly and committed many acts of treason against our Creator (this is what we call the universal sin of humanity that condemns us before a holy God). Like Peter, Jesus has interceded for us and removed the evidence or guilt that would have been used to condemn us (Jesus has atoned for our sins). Like Peter, we can now walk away free while Jesus is arrested and taken into captivity (our judgment has been swapped for freedom and redemption in Christ). May we use our freedom in Christ to glorify God and to prepare ourselves (and others) for the completion of our redemption within the Kingdom of God.​

 

 

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