Because all four Gospels tell the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection we get a number of vignettes, not all of which are covered from the pulpit each Easter weekend.   One of my favorites is the story of Peter cutting off Malchus’ ear.  It’s my favorite because in my flesh  I admire Peter’s desire to do “something”!  Even more than that I admire Jesus’ cool head.  Despite the burden He was bearing He took no joy in vengeance; He stayed on mission.  He also, according to John’s gospel, took a moment to heal Malchus’ ear.  The other three Gospels protect both Peter’s and the guard’s identity but John, writing at a later date, names names and he is also the only one who mentions the restoration of the ear.   I won’t read into the text, but I believe it’s safe to observe that Jesus’ act of kindness to the guard, Malchus, also wiped away all evidence of Peter’s offense.  Had the authorities ever wanted to pursue Peter for striking a temple guard, they would have had to declare him righteous because there was nothing there to accuse him of.  It was as if he had never acted.  Hours before Jesus went to the cross to exchange our sin for His righteousness, He essentially did that for Peter, He wiped away Peter’s transgression.  

So imagine Malchus trying to get “justice.” 

Malchus: “Sir, one of those disciples cut off my ear.”  

Judge: “Looks to me like you have two ears.”

In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called the accuser of the brethren.  So imagine Satan bringing your name before the judge!

Satan: “Scott is weak in his faith, he forgets to pray first, he loses his temper, he loses his focus, he fails to complete his tasks…..”  

God: “Looks to Me that he has been washed by the blood of My Son, I see no sin on him, he is absolutely clean!”

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” ~2 Corinthians 5:21

Walk in the newness of life,

Pastor Scott