Christian Life Church
August 23, 2020 10:00am
These moments are usually unexpected. We usually have no chance to defend ourselves or take evasive action.
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Sunday 9:30 AM
Malchus Moments
08.23.2020
John 18:1-11 NIV
When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” 10Then 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.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Note: Though the story of Malchus is told in every Gospel, he is named only in John, and only Luke pointed out that Jesus healed Malchus.
I.Who was Malchus?
A. The use of a definite article (“the servant” of the High Priest) indicates that Malchus was a high-ranking participant, perhaps the organizer of the arrest planned for Jesus. As a special deputy of Caiaphas, he would have been in the forefront of the confrontation.
B. The word used by Matthew and Mark to describe the arresting party indicate that it was essentially a mob, mixed with elements of the Temple Police and reinforced by a contingent of Roman soldiers.
C. The naming of the victim (absent in the Synoptics) may be evidence that Malchus himself had become a Believer by the time John’s Gospel was written.
D. The purpose of the story is probably along these lines.
1. To show that Jesus willingly gave his life in a full commitment to Father’s plan.
2. To illustrate Jesus’ commitment to protect His disciple, as was promised to The Father.
3. To reveal another instance of Jesus’ mercy by His healing of the wounded Malchus.
II.Things to remember when Malchus Moments happen…
A. You may find it surprising that these moments occur in the very presence of Jesus.
B. These moments are usually unexpected. We usually have no chance to defend ourselves or take evasive action.
1. The point is this - we seldom see the sword play coming.
2. Surprisingly, the greatest hurts sometime come from those with the “greatest titles.”
C. It was little comfort to Malchus that the person who hurt him was really a good, spiritual man who loved Jesus with all his heart.
D. It isn’t wise or fair to judge all disciples by the behavior of one.
III.If you are a “Malchus”…
A. Understand that the devil wants to distort and defile your experience with God’s people in order to hinder you from giving your life to Christ.
B. Malchus models for us the need to accept healing and help whether or not an explanation or apology comes from the swordsman.
C. The story is a reminder
1. I recommend again - Total Forgiveness by R.T Kendall.
2. Apologies help, but they seldom come. And the ones that do don’t seem to be “enough.”
3. We forgive not because things were set right, but on the basis of the forgiveness we have received from Christ.
4. It is a simple but difficult lesson: “Don’t be ruled by hurt and offense.”
5. Allow the power of Jesus to restore what has been broken.
IV.If you are a “Simon Peter”…
A. This is always true: “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20 NLT
B. This is always worth extra the cost: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:3 NLT
C. As much as possible, set things right.
1. Sometimes you can’t. Sometimes we missed the opportunity. Sometimes people won’t let us. Sometimes people require more than is appropriate. That’s why the Scripture says: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
2. We have no knowledge if Peter ever did this or not. That’s the way it is with most offenses.
3. Healing was available for Malchus whether Peter apologized or not, but it would have made the process easier if he did.
4. There may be a need for you to do some forgiving as well. What was at the heart of your swordplay?
5. Use these flash points to let God speak to you about yourself.
08.23.2020
John 18:1-11 NIV
When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” 10Then 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.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Note: Though the story of Malchus is told in every Gospel, he is named only in John, and only Luke pointed out that Jesus healed Malchus.
I.Who was Malchus?
A. The use of a definite article (“the servant” of the High Priest) indicates that Malchus was a high-ranking participant, perhaps the organizer of the arrest planned for Jesus. As a special deputy of Caiaphas, he would have been in the forefront of the confrontation.
B. The word used by Matthew and Mark to describe the arresting party indicate that it was essentially a mob, mixed with elements of the Temple Police and reinforced by a contingent of Roman soldiers.
C. The naming of the victim (absent in the Synoptics) may be evidence that Malchus himself had become a Believer by the time John’s Gospel was written.
D. The purpose of the story is probably along these lines.
1. To show that Jesus willingly gave his life in a full commitment to Father’s plan.
2. To illustrate Jesus’ commitment to protect His disciple, as was promised to The Father.
3. To reveal another instance of Jesus’ mercy by His healing of the wounded Malchus.
II.Things to remember when Malchus Moments happen…
A. You may find it surprising that these moments occur in the very presence of Jesus.
B. These moments are usually unexpected. We usually have no chance to defend ourselves or take evasive action.
1. The point is this - we seldom see the sword play coming.
2. Surprisingly, the greatest hurts sometime come from those with the “greatest titles.”
C. It was little comfort to Malchus that the person who hurt him was really a good, spiritual man who loved Jesus with all his heart.
D. It isn’t wise or fair to judge all disciples by the behavior of one.
III.If you are a “Malchus”…
A. Understand that the devil wants to distort and defile your experience with God’s people in order to hinder you from giving your life to Christ.
B. Malchus models for us the need to accept healing and help whether or not an explanation or apology comes from the swordsman.
C. The story is a reminder
1. I recommend again - Total Forgiveness by R.T Kendall.
2. Apologies help, but they seldom come. And the ones that do don’t seem to be “enough.”
3. We forgive not because things were set right, but on the basis of the forgiveness we have received from Christ.
4. It is a simple but difficult lesson: “Don’t be ruled by hurt and offense.”
5. Allow the power of Jesus to restore what has been broken.
IV.If you are a “Simon Peter”…
A. This is always true: “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20 NLT
B. This is always worth extra the cost: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:3 NLT
C. As much as possible, set things right.
1. Sometimes you can’t. Sometimes we missed the opportunity. Sometimes people won’t let us. Sometimes people require more than is appropriate. That’s why the Scripture says: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
2. We have no knowledge if Peter ever did this or not. That’s the way it is with most offenses.
3. Healing was available for Malchus whether Peter apologized or not, but it would have made the process easier if he did.
4. There may be a need for you to do some forgiving as well. What was at the heart of your swordplay?
5. Use these flash points to let God speak to you about yourself.