1 00:00:00,660 --> 00:00:04,200 Speaker 1: Put your sword back into its place, for all those 2 00:00:04,240 --> 00:00:07,220 Speaker 1: who live by the sword will die by the sword. 3 00:00:08,520 --> 00:00:16,440 Speaker 1: Matthew 26, 52 Dear Lord, In the quietness of our hearts, 4 00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:20,620 Speaker 1: we contemplate the profound truth that those who live by 5 00:00:20,660 --> 00:00:27,350 Speaker 1: the sword die by the sword. In humility, we recognize 6 00:00:27,430 --> 00:00:33,460 Speaker 1: that The truth that violence we project over others only 7 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:38,190 Speaker 1: serves to invite harm upon ourselves. It's a cycle of 8 00:00:38,229 --> 00:00:44,970 Speaker 1: brutality that contradicts the essence of your kingdom. Teach us, Lord, 9 00:00:45,010 --> 00:00:49,150 Speaker 1: to be architects of peace, to use our words and 10 00:00:49,210 --> 00:00:54,960 Speaker 1: deeds to build up rather than tear down. May our 11 00:00:55,040 --> 00:01:02,560 Speaker 1: legacy be one of encouragement, healing, and unity, reflecting your 12 00:01:02,620 --> 00:01:08,959 Speaker 1: love and grace. Grant us the wisdom to understand the 13 00:01:09,040 --> 00:01:14,149 Speaker 1: power of our influence, choosing to bless instead of curse, 14 00:01:15,490 --> 00:01:20,750 Speaker 1: to embrace instead of exclude. Help us to see your 15 00:01:20,870 --> 00:01:27,010 Speaker 1: image in every person, treating all, with dignity and compassion. 16 00:01:29,230 --> 00:01:34,649 Speaker 1: In this, let us mirror the heart of Jesus, who 17 00:01:34,690 --> 00:01:38,250 Speaker 1: laid down His life to lift us up. 18 00:01:41,330 --> 00:01:41,610 Speaker 2: Amen. 19 00:01:43,010 --> 00:01:46,430 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 20 00:01:46,450 --> 00:01:51,590 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Epic stories from the Gospel, retold with 21 00:01:51,650 --> 00:01:56,980 Speaker 1: dramatic tension and deep contemplation. Remain here to listen to 22 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:02,500 Speaker 1: the often untold story of Malchus. His story mirrors many 23 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:05,940 Speaker 1: who have been hurt by the followers of Jesus and 24 00:02:05,980 --> 00:02:11,359 Speaker 1: require healing. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. 25 00:02:12,139 --> 00:02:15,530 Speaker 1: Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us 26 00:02:15,590 --> 00:02:19,270 Speaker 1: get discovered by more people. We want the story of 27 00:02:19,370 --> 00:02:23,470 Speaker 1: Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making 28 00:02:23,530 --> 00:02:24,230 Speaker 1: that possible. 29 00:02:26,750 --> 00:02:29,430 Speaker 3: Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane in just 30 00:02:29,470 --> 00:02:32,530 Speaker 3: a few hours. He's finishing a meal with the rest 31 00:02:32,570 --> 00:02:35,650 Speaker 3: of his followers. He'll take them there to pray. I 32 00:02:36,590 --> 00:02:40,170 Speaker 3: don't know his plans after that, so we must move swiftly. 33 00:02:40,930 --> 00:02:44,450 Speaker 1: Half of Judah's face was hidden in shadows, and the 34 00:02:44,510 --> 00:02:49,950 Speaker 1: other half illuminated by flickering torchlight. His hands shook slightly 35 00:02:50,710 --> 00:02:54,750 Speaker 1: as he stood before the high priest Caiaphas. He had 36 00:02:54,810 --> 00:02:59,430 Speaker 1: already accepted the silver Now it was time to give 37 00:02:59,510 --> 00:03:00,910 Speaker 1: Jesus up completely. 38 00:03:02,270 --> 00:03:05,470 Speaker 3: Give me a small company of guards. I'm sure he'll 39 00:03:05,490 --> 00:03:08,840 Speaker 3: go quietly. He wouldn't dare make a scene. 40 00:03:09,910 --> 00:03:11,519 Speaker 1: Caiaphas leaned over his desk. 41 00:03:12,260 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 4: I once saw a crowd of nearly 10,000 people gather 42 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:19,640 Speaker 4: to see him preach. I refuse to take any chances 43 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:23,680 Speaker 4: by sending a few soldiers. The entire temple guard will 44 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:27,570 Speaker 4: leave with you. Three hundred armed men should be enough. 45 00:03:28,270 --> 00:03:29,910 Speaker 1: Caiaphas gestured to a servant. 46 00:03:30,350 --> 00:03:33,889 Speaker 4: Malchus, see to it that every man is armed with 47 00:03:33,950 --> 00:03:38,230 Speaker 4: a sword. Tell them to bring plenty of torches. I 48 00:03:38,270 --> 00:03:41,030 Speaker 4: want his followers to scurry like rats when they see 49 00:03:41,050 --> 00:03:41,730 Speaker 4: you approaching. 50 00:03:42,250 --> 00:03:46,050 Speaker 1: Malchus was a young man with ruddy hair. His beard 51 00:03:46,170 --> 00:03:50,070 Speaker 1: was barely grown, but his eyes were intense and confident. 52 00:03:51,170 --> 00:03:54,270 Speaker 1: He stood up straight and bowed his head to Caiaphas. 53 00:03:54,890 --> 00:03:57,570 Speaker 5: As you wish, High Priest Caiaphas. It shall be done. 54 00:03:58,250 --> 00:04:01,610 Speaker 1: Malchus turned with Judas to gather the detachment of soldiers. 55 00:04:02,850 --> 00:04:06,500 Speaker 1: A few other of the temple servants trailed behind. But 56 00:04:06,540 --> 00:04:09,380 Speaker 1: before they exited the hall, Caiaphas added. 57 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:14,980 Speaker 4: Malchus, this task is of great importance to the sanctity 58 00:04:15,020 --> 00:04:19,790 Speaker 4: of this temple, the law of Moses, and Adonai. Do 59 00:04:19,910 --> 00:04:20,690 Speaker 4: not fail. 60 00:04:21,450 --> 00:04:25,580 Speaker 1: Malchus bowed his head again. Yes, Lord Caiaphas. The young 61 00:04:25,620 --> 00:04:29,540 Speaker 1: man escorted Judas out of the room. Together they gathered 62 00:04:29,580 --> 00:04:33,420 Speaker 1: the detachment of temple guards and soldiers. It was a 63 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:39,460 Speaker 1: small army, armed and ready to arrest Jesus. Malchus was 64 00:04:39,520 --> 00:04:44,050 Speaker 1: perturbed that one man had caused such a commotion. The 65 00:04:44,210 --> 00:04:47,650 Speaker 1: angry rants of his master had seeped into his heart 66 00:04:48,010 --> 00:04:48,370 Speaker 1: as well. 67 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:50,470 Speaker 5: Seems excessive for just one. 68 00:04:50,430 --> 00:04:56,230 Speaker 1: Man, Malchus murmured. Judas' eyes darted sideways. 69 00:04:57,060 --> 00:04:58,750 Speaker 3: He isn't just a man. 70 00:04:59,830 --> 00:05:03,810 Speaker 1: Malchus waved off the comment. He was a devoted follower 71 00:05:03,850 --> 00:05:07,270 Speaker 1: of the temple. An enemy of the temple was an 72 00:05:07,330 --> 00:05:12,920 Speaker 1: enemy of his. The soldiers armed themselves, lit their torches, 73 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:19,100 Speaker 1: and marched toward the Mount of Olives. Storm clouds swirled 74 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:25,140 Speaker 1: above them, like dark vultures preparing to descend. Thunder rumbled 75 00:05:25,180 --> 00:05:29,060 Speaker 1: in the distance, shaking their chests as they marched upward. 76 00:05:30,580 --> 00:05:35,479 Speaker 1: Malchus walked beside them. Caiaphas' venomous words echoed in the 77 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:40,360 Speaker 1: chambers of his mind. Who were they about to arrest? 78 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:45,600 Speaker 1: A harmless rabbi or a dangerous criminal? 79 00:05:48,700 --> 00:05:51,760 Speaker 2: When God made mankind, he made us in his image. 80 00:05:52,339 --> 00:05:55,200 Speaker 2: He designed us to be representatives of his character and 81 00:05:55,260 --> 00:05:58,140 Speaker 2: his nature. But with the fall of man, sin was 82 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:01,120 Speaker 2: swept across God's good creation like a swarm of locusts. 83 00:06:01,779 --> 00:06:05,850 Speaker 2: And as a result, God's greatest creation, us, was fractured. 84 00:06:06,460 --> 00:06:08,770 Speaker 2: And though we may still be made in God's image, 85 00:06:09,170 --> 00:06:12,450 Speaker 2: the ugliness of sin finds ways to slip through the cracks. 86 00:06:12,890 --> 00:06:15,710 Speaker 2: But Jesus can mend us and heal us from all 87 00:06:15,730 --> 00:06:20,020 Speaker 2: of our hurt. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories 88 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:24,400 Speaker 2: told with cinematic flair and honest reflection. I'm Zach, your 89 00:06:24,440 --> 00:06:27,130 Speaker 2: host from Pray.com, and I'm stoked to be back with you. 90 00:06:27,610 --> 00:06:30,089 Speaker 2: We're nearing the end of our stories of Jesus and 91 00:06:30,110 --> 00:06:33,130 Speaker 2: the outcasts, so make sure to follow the podcast and 92 00:06:33,250 --> 00:06:36,190 Speaker 2: stick around so that you get to finish. Today's epic 93 00:06:36,250 --> 00:06:38,710 Speaker 2: narrative begins after a quiet night of prayer in the 94 00:06:38,750 --> 00:06:42,190 Speaker 2: Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus and his disciples have settled into 95 00:06:42,230 --> 00:06:44,950 Speaker 2: the upper room of a home in Jerusalem. He washes 96 00:06:44,990 --> 00:06:48,590 Speaker 2: their feet, demonstrating his humble servant's heart, and shares a 97 00:06:48,630 --> 00:06:51,770 Speaker 2: Passover meal with them. He institutes the Lord's Supper, or 98 00:06:51,870 --> 00:06:54,810 Speaker 2: as we might know it, communion, and concludes by giving 99 00:06:54,850 --> 00:06:58,529 Speaker 2: them powerful words of encouragement. He tells them to love 100 00:06:58,770 --> 00:07:02,230 Speaker 2: one another as he has loved us. That, in essence, 101 00:07:02,290 --> 00:07:05,870 Speaker 2: is the embodiment of all of Christ's commandments. He wants 102 00:07:05,990 --> 00:07:10,040 Speaker 2: us to be people moved and mobilized by love. He 103 00:07:10,100 --> 00:07:12,190 Speaker 2: knew that this would be their last meal together before 104 00:07:12,250 --> 00:07:14,540 Speaker 2: his death, and he wanted to prepare them for the 105 00:07:14,580 --> 00:07:17,330 Speaker 2: days ahead. At the conclusion of the meal, Jesus takes 106 00:07:17,390 --> 00:07:19,780 Speaker 2: his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place they 107 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:21,080 Speaker 2: had often gone to together. 108 00:07:21,620 --> 00:07:22,380 Speaker 1: The garden was. 109 00:07:22,380 --> 00:07:24,480 Speaker 2: Nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a 110 00:07:24,620 --> 00:07:28,260 Speaker 2: lustrous hill filled with olive groves. The spot was also 111 00:07:28,300 --> 00:07:31,540 Speaker 2: filled with highly sought-after tombs as a place to honor 112 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:34,900 Speaker 2: lost loved ones with a beautiful final resting place. With 113 00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:38,119 Speaker 2: the irony not lost to Jesus, this was the place 114 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:40,720 Speaker 2: he would share his final moments with the disciples before 115 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:43,640 Speaker 2: his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. 116 00:07:46,490 --> 00:07:49,810 Speaker 1: The brook Kidron carried the blood of sacrifices spilling from 117 00:07:49,860 --> 00:07:54,500 Speaker 1: the temple. The water was crimson, cutting through the garden 118 00:07:54,580 --> 00:07:59,460 Speaker 1: like an open wound. Judas led the detachment of soldiers 119 00:07:59,540 --> 00:08:03,890 Speaker 1: through the garden. They stopped at a hedge. It hid 120 00:08:03,930 --> 00:08:08,990 Speaker 1: them slightly. Although their presence was indeed known by now, 121 00:08:10,070 --> 00:08:12,210 Speaker 1: they looked over the hedge and saw a group of 122 00:08:12,270 --> 00:08:16,640 Speaker 1: men talking to each other at a distance. The moon's 123 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:23,270 Speaker 1: silvery gleams were hidden behind storm clouds. Malchus nudged Judas 124 00:08:23,830 --> 00:08:24,750 Speaker 1: and pointed forward. 125 00:08:25,330 --> 00:08:25,970 Speaker 3: It's dark. 126 00:08:26,470 --> 00:08:28,830 Speaker 5: How will we know which man to arrest? We can't 127 00:08:28,870 --> 00:08:30,090 Speaker 5: all spring out at once. 128 00:08:31,070 --> 00:08:32,620 Speaker 3: I will greet him with a kiss. 129 00:08:33,910 --> 00:08:37,179 Speaker 1: One final time. Judas replied with a tinge of remorse. 130 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:42,940 Speaker 1: His jaw was clenched and his palms were sweaty. He 131 00:08:42,960 --> 00:08:44,400 Speaker 1: was clearly in agony. 132 00:08:45,140 --> 00:08:46,900 Speaker 3: The man I greet with a kiss on the cheek 133 00:08:46,980 --> 00:08:48,260 Speaker 3: is the one you will arrest. 134 00:08:48,820 --> 00:08:53,140 Speaker 1: They watched the group closely. One of them stepped forward. 135 00:08:54,350 --> 00:08:58,710 Speaker 1: He marched over the brook Kidron. His stride was deliberate, 136 00:08:59,370 --> 00:09:02,150 Speaker 1: like an arrow pointed toward a target. There he is, 137 00:09:02,610 --> 00:09:06,970 Speaker 1: Judas whispered under his breath. He stepped out from the shadows. 138 00:09:08,929 --> 00:09:14,790 Speaker 1: Judas appeared like a wolf sauntering out of its den. There, 139 00:09:15,130 --> 00:09:19,800 Speaker 1: under the moon's faint glow, the wolf and the lamb 140 00:09:20,540 --> 00:09:25,720 Speaker 1: stood yards away from each other. Hiding the cowardice between 141 00:09:25,740 --> 00:09:33,750 Speaker 1: an insincere smile, Judas approached his master and greeted him. Hello, Rabbi, 142 00:09:34,350 --> 00:09:36,510 Speaker 1: he said, accompanied by a kiss. 143 00:09:37,130 --> 00:09:37,770 Speaker 3: That's the one! 144 00:09:38,390 --> 00:09:40,929 Speaker 1: Malchus pointed at Jesus and looked back at the soldiers. 145 00:09:41,270 --> 00:09:42,219 Speaker 4: Prepare yourselves! 146 00:09:43,100 --> 00:09:46,920 Speaker 1: The small army emerged from the shadows behind Judas, armed 147 00:09:47,440 --> 00:09:55,150 Speaker 1: and ready to attack. Jesus looked deeply into Judas' eyes. Sorrow, authority, 148 00:09:56,070 --> 00:10:00,080 Speaker 1: and understanding anchored his voice. So this is how you 149 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:01,440 Speaker 1: betray the Son of Man? 150 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:03,179 Speaker 5: With a kiss? 151 00:10:04,220 --> 00:10:07,400 Speaker 1: Jesus looked over Judah's shoulder and gestured to the soldiers 152 00:10:07,540 --> 00:10:07,960 Speaker 1: behind him. 153 00:10:08,540 --> 00:10:09,540 Speaker 5: Whom do you seek? 154 00:10:10,280 --> 00:10:15,000 Speaker 1: Malchus was suddenly nervous. There was a strange shift in 155 00:10:15,040 --> 00:10:22,200 Speaker 1: the air, as if the He no longer felt in control. 156 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:25,020 Speaker 1: The feeling vexed him even more. 157 00:10:25,620 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 5: We seek Jesus of Nazareth. 158 00:10:28,210 --> 00:10:31,130 Speaker 1: Jesus' eyes reflected the torches. 159 00:10:31,150 --> 00:10:32,350 Speaker 5: I am he. 160 00:10:32,990 --> 00:10:36,229 Speaker 1: As Jesus answered, something stirred among the heavens and the earth. 161 00:10:37,210 --> 00:10:42,530 Speaker 1: Thunder rumbled. Lightning streaked across the sky. And the mighty 162 00:10:42,690 --> 00:10:47,680 Speaker 1: winds of God billowed against the soldiers with veracity, pushing 163 00:10:47,740 --> 00:10:51,560 Speaker 1: the men off their feet and onto their backs. Malchus 164 00:10:51,640 --> 00:10:55,040 Speaker 1: flew back with them, hitting the ground and losing his breath. 165 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:58,570 Speaker 1: The men were quick to recoil and spring back to 166 00:10:58,610 --> 00:11:03,270 Speaker 1: their feet, flustered and confused. Some drew out their swords, 167 00:11:03,929 --> 00:11:09,949 Speaker 1: but others cowered back in confusion. Jesus, still calm, asked again, 168 00:11:10,570 --> 00:11:16,120 Speaker 1: Whom do you seek? Malchus, shaky and uncertain, replied. 169 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:20,920 Speaker 5: We seek Jesus of Nazareth. I have already told you 170 00:11:20,980 --> 00:11:23,830 Speaker 5: that I am he. All I ask is that you 171 00:11:23,850 --> 00:11:27,790 Speaker 5: let my friends go. They have done nothing wrong. It 172 00:11:27,850 --> 00:11:28,910 Speaker 5: is me you want. 173 00:11:29,610 --> 00:11:34,910 Speaker 1: Jesus stretched out his hands to be bound. Malchus and 174 00:11:34,950 --> 00:11:39,210 Speaker 1: a few soldiers inched forward with trepidation, swords drawn, but 175 00:11:39,270 --> 00:11:42,550 Speaker 1: trembling in their hands. But before they could take a 176 00:11:42,630 --> 00:11:47,030 Speaker 1: complete step, one of Jesus' followers shouted, You will not 177 00:11:47,090 --> 00:11:50,300 Speaker 1: take him! Malkus' eyes widened when he saw the large 178 00:11:50,380 --> 00:11:54,860 Speaker 1: man approach. His sword was drawn and raised to strike. 179 00:11:56,420 --> 00:12:00,980 Speaker 1: Malkus quickly lifted his sword to parry. The man hopped back, 180 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:06,980 Speaker 1: then swung downward again, aiming at Malkus' head. Malkus turned 181 00:12:07,020 --> 00:12:09,939 Speaker 1: his body to dodge, but the sword grazed his ear 182 00:12:10,260 --> 00:12:14,880 Speaker 1: and chopped it off. Malkus cried out and fell to 183 00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:19,220 Speaker 1: the ground. Holding his bloodied head, and writhing in pain. 184 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:25,320 Speaker 1: His entire body shook with shock. The other guards jumped 185 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:28,719 Speaker 1: onto the man. He kicked and screamed with his sword 186 00:12:28,780 --> 00:12:29,319 Speaker 1: in his hand. 187 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 3: Master, run! 188 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:35,870 Speaker 1: But Jesus didn't run. Peter, drop your weapon. 189 00:12:36,750 --> 00:12:40,170 Speaker 5: Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. 190 00:12:41,330 --> 00:12:44,069 Speaker 5: You have seen my power. Do you not think I 191 00:12:44,090 --> 00:12:46,750 Speaker 5: could have my father send legions of angels to fight 192 00:12:46,809 --> 00:12:51,530 Speaker 5: on my behalf? What is happening must happen for the 193 00:12:51,590 --> 00:12:53,150 Speaker 5: scriptures to be fulfilled. 194 00:12:54,030 --> 00:12:58,780 Speaker 1: Jesus calmly walked toward Malchus. The guards raised their swords, 195 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:03,079 Speaker 1: but Jesus raised his hands and assured them he meant 196 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:08,569 Speaker 1: no harm. He slowly bent over and picked up Malchus' 197 00:13:08,650 --> 00:13:14,150 Speaker 1: bloody ear from the ground. Malchus whimpered in the dirt. 198 00:13:15,510 --> 00:13:19,130 Speaker 1: A rush of hatred boiled up within him. He hated 199 00:13:19,190 --> 00:13:22,109 Speaker 1: what Peter had done to him. He hated Jesus, too. 200 00:13:23,290 --> 00:13:25,530 Speaker 1: He didn't ask for any of this. He was just 201 00:13:25,610 --> 00:13:30,290 Speaker 1: following orders. He was being a good servant. Caiaphas was 202 00:13:30,380 --> 00:13:31,080 Speaker 1: right about them. 203 00:13:31,740 --> 00:13:32,459 Speaker 5: They're dangerous. 204 00:13:32,980 --> 00:13:33,900 Speaker 4: They're unhinged. 205 00:13:34,660 --> 00:13:38,740 Speaker 1: The blood dripping from Malchus' head was boiling with rage. 206 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:45,070 Speaker 1: Jesus approached with Malchus' ear in his hand. He raised 207 00:13:45,110 --> 00:13:45,880 Speaker 1: it to Malchus' head. 208 00:13:46,350 --> 00:13:47,410 Speaker 2: Get away from me! 209 00:13:47,970 --> 00:13:53,250 Speaker 1: Bitterness and hatred bled out of Malchus. But Jesus remained calm. 210 00:13:54,670 --> 00:13:58,250 Speaker 1: He gently brought Malchus' ear to his head and whispered 211 00:13:58,330 --> 00:14:06,220 Speaker 1: something unintelligible. Everything was muffled and muted to Malchus. The 212 00:14:06,260 --> 00:14:11,740 Speaker 1: winds shifted slowly. and the leaves hushed to some unfamiliar tune. 213 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:19,890 Speaker 1: Then Jesus removed his hand from Malchus' head. Miraculously, his 214 00:14:20,130 --> 00:14:25,190 Speaker 1: ear had been put back in place. Malchus touched his 215 00:14:25,270 --> 00:14:30,670 Speaker 1: ear and looked up at Jesus. He didn't see a 216 00:14:30,740 --> 00:14:36,460 Speaker 1: criminal armed for revolution. He saw a healer armed with 217 00:14:36,500 --> 00:14:43,870 Speaker 1: a warm smile an understanding gaze. Jesus extended a hand 218 00:14:43,970 --> 00:14:49,640 Speaker 1: to Malchus. He accepted it and Jesus helped him to 219 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:54,580 Speaker 1: his feet. The guards released Peter and the rest of 220 00:14:54,620 --> 00:14:59,560 Speaker 1: the disciples ran away, fearing for their lives. They scattered 221 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:05,750 Speaker 1: like rats. Jesus raised his voice to the guards, completely 222 00:15:05,870 --> 00:15:07,390 Speaker 1: controlling the situation. 223 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:10,780 Speaker 5: Daily I taught in the temple, but none of you 224 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:11,680 Speaker 5: arrested me then. 225 00:15:12,590 --> 00:15:14,250 Speaker 1: Why? I will tell you. 226 00:15:14,970 --> 00:15:18,490 Speaker 5: This is how it must be for the word to 227 00:15:18,530 --> 00:15:19,230 Speaker 5: be fulfilled. 228 00:15:20,190 --> 00:15:23,450 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus raised his hands for them to 229 00:15:23,510 --> 00:15:28,760 Speaker 1: bind him. The guards sprang into action, passing Malchus with 230 00:15:28,820 --> 00:15:33,500 Speaker 1: clubs and rope. They shoved him to the ground, beat him, 231 00:15:34,120 --> 00:15:39,220 Speaker 1: and tied him up. They dragged him away. but Malchus 232 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:45,500 Speaker 1: remained there. He watched them take Jesus, but from his 233 00:15:45,620 --> 00:15:52,140 Speaker 1: angle it seemed Jesus was taking them. Malchus knew then 234 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:57,479 Speaker 1: that Jesus was not a victim or a powerless captive. 235 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:03,240 Speaker 1: He held his hands up to his ear and followed them. 236 00:16:05,520 --> 00:16:10,410 Speaker 1: Malchus was still unsure who Jesus was, But he was 237 00:16:10,470 --> 00:16:15,690 Speaker 1: determined to hear every last word he had to say. 238 00:16:21,140 --> 00:16:24,020 Speaker 2: Let's be honest for a moment. Life with other people 239 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:28,340 Speaker 2: in whatever capacity is messy. And this reality is no 240 00:16:28,420 --> 00:16:30,950 Speaker 2: different for the people of God. Though the church is 241 00:16:30,990 --> 00:16:34,390 Speaker 2: a vibrant community filled with God's love, it's also composed 242 00:16:34,490 --> 00:16:37,400 Speaker 2: of imperfect people. As a pastor, I've had a few 243 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:39,520 Speaker 2: people come up to me and say, the church is 244 00:16:39,590 --> 00:16:42,830 Speaker 2: filled with hypocrites. And my answer to that is, well, 245 00:16:42,870 --> 00:16:46,350 Speaker 2: it's filled with a lot worse than hypocrites. You see, 246 00:16:46,390 --> 00:16:49,610 Speaker 2: the church is made up of imperfect people, face-planting through life, 247 00:16:49,770 --> 00:16:53,470 Speaker 2: desperately reaching for God. Though we aim to show everyone 248 00:16:53,490 --> 00:16:55,570 Speaker 2: the tender care and love of God, there are times 249 00:16:55,630 --> 00:16:58,650 Speaker 2: when we honestly fall short. And the people who are 250 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:02,260 Speaker 2: on the receiving end of that are often left hurt, bruised, 251 00:17:02,420 --> 00:17:06,250 Speaker 2: and scarred. The term coined today is church hurt. People 252 00:17:06,270 --> 00:17:08,570 Speaker 2: who have grown up in the church or entered into 253 00:17:08,609 --> 00:17:11,709 Speaker 2: the doors of church and had a traumatic and bad experience. 254 00:17:12,310 --> 00:17:15,600 Speaker 2: Whether it was the hypocrisy of leadership or passive aggressive 255 00:17:15,650 --> 00:17:19,240 Speaker 2: comments or insults, their experience with God's people left a 256 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:22,160 Speaker 2: bad taste in their mouth and as a result, really 257 00:17:22,220 --> 00:17:25,580 Speaker 2: cut off their ears to hearing the gospel. Such is 258 00:17:25,619 --> 00:17:28,960 Speaker 2: the experience of Malchus, a temple guard who finds himself 259 00:17:29,020 --> 00:17:31,669 Speaker 2: at the wrong end of Peter's sword. Hurt by one 260 00:17:31,690 --> 00:17:34,670 Speaker 2: of Jesus' followers, he projects his pain and anger onto 261 00:17:34,710 --> 00:17:37,540 Speaker 2: the Lord himself. There are many Malchuses in our world, 262 00:17:37,780 --> 00:17:40,140 Speaker 2: people who have been cut off from hearing the gospel 263 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:42,419 Speaker 2: because of cutting words or betrayal from a member of 264 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:45,899 Speaker 2: the church. Countless individuals have found themselves wronged in the 265 00:17:45,940 --> 00:17:48,440 Speaker 2: name of God. But our story reminds us that those 266 00:17:48,460 --> 00:17:50,580 Speaker 2: who have been hurt by the church and God's people 267 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:53,500 Speaker 2: don't have to remain hurt. Though people may harm us, 268 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:57,500 Speaker 2: Jesus wants to heal us. Our story begins with Judas' 269 00:17:57,580 --> 00:18:00,250 Speaker 2: private meeting with Caiaphas, the chief priest of the Jewish 270 00:18:00,290 --> 00:18:03,270 Speaker 2: temple in Jerusalem. This was the moment he locked in 271 00:18:03,350 --> 00:18:06,010 Speaker 2: his decision to betray Jesus, the man who he once 272 00:18:06,050 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 2: called a friend. Caiaphas sends Judas with a large detachment 273 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:12,480 Speaker 2: of Roman soldiers and officers from the temple guard. Though 274 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:15,660 Speaker 2: they may not have known what to expect in apprehending Jesus, 275 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:18,280 Speaker 2: they were going to prepare themselves for anything. They weren't 276 00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:20,950 Speaker 2: going to let Jesus continue to spread his message any longer. 277 00:18:21,710 --> 00:18:23,890 Speaker 2: As they enter the garden, they are faced with Jesus 278 00:18:23,970 --> 00:18:27,470 Speaker 2: and his ragtag team of disciples. No armies formed from 279 00:18:27,490 --> 00:18:30,379 Speaker 2: the masses ready for revolt. No mobs waiting to be 280 00:18:30,450 --> 00:18:34,119 Speaker 2: set loose with violent revolution. Just 12 men enjoying the 281 00:18:34,140 --> 00:18:37,379 Speaker 2: calm of the night. This quickly changes though when Peter 282 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:41,220 Speaker 2: jumps into action to defend Jesus and cuts off Malchus' ear. 283 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:44,800 Speaker 2: Peter likely thought he was taking an incredible leap of 284 00:18:44,859 --> 00:18:48,680 Speaker 2: faith to defend Jesus. The only problem is Jesus doesn't 285 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:52,980 Speaker 2: need us to defend him. Just moments prior, Jesus had 286 00:18:53,140 --> 00:18:56,820 Speaker 2: just sent the troops flying onto their backs. Peter's act 287 00:18:56,859 --> 00:18:59,359 Speaker 2: of boldness, as noble as it might have seemed on 288 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,460 Speaker 2: the surface, wasn't what the Lord was calling him to do. 289 00:19:03,140 --> 00:19:04,060 Speaker 3: It's unfortunate to. 290 00:19:04,020 --> 00:19:07,500 Speaker 2: See Peter in this place. Peter allowed his own inflated 291 00:19:07,590 --> 00:19:11,110 Speaker 2: sense of importance get in the way. Maybe Peter's heart 292 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:13,250 Speaker 2: was in the right place, wanting to protect his teacher. 293 00:19:13,730 --> 00:19:17,150 Speaker 2: The wrong actions taken with the right motives are still wrong. 294 00:19:17,750 --> 00:19:20,550 Speaker 2: What Peter didn't understand is that people aren't the enemy. 295 00:19:21,470 --> 00:19:24,180 Speaker 2: God calls us to prepare for battle, but it's not 296 00:19:24,200 --> 00:19:28,300 Speaker 2: a battle against people. Ephesians 6.10 says this, We do 297 00:19:28,340 --> 00:19:31,820 Speaker 2: not battle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 298 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:34,399 Speaker 2: against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, 299 00:19:34,460 --> 00:19:37,260 Speaker 2: against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 300 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:40,470 Speaker 2: We have one enemy, and that's Satan, the one who 301 00:19:40,530 --> 00:19:43,470 Speaker 2: stands opposed to God's will on every front. This is 302 00:19:43,510 --> 00:19:45,690 Speaker 2: why Jesus rebuked Peter in the way that he did 303 00:19:45,730 --> 00:19:49,530 Speaker 2: in Matthew 16. People aren't the enemy. The ones who 304 00:19:49,590 --> 00:19:53,540 Speaker 2: are opposed to Jesus are lost. We can't view people 305 00:19:53,580 --> 00:19:56,580 Speaker 2: with disdain and contempt. We have to see them with 306 00:19:56,840 --> 00:20:00,179 Speaker 2: eyes of compassion. I have seen many people caught up 307 00:20:00,220 --> 00:20:03,820 Speaker 2: in the same delusions as Peter. You see, Peter thought 308 00:20:04,020 --> 00:20:09,260 Speaker 2: that Jesus needed his defendings. He thought that somehow, someway, God, 309 00:20:09,340 --> 00:20:12,860 Speaker 2: the creator of the universe, the master of the stars 310 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:16,240 Speaker 2: and the heavens, the one who crafted and formed the cosmos, 311 00:20:16,320 --> 00:20:20,419 Speaker 2: somehow needed his sword. Peter was gravely mistaken, and it 312 00:20:20,460 --> 00:20:23,959 Speaker 2: was an over-inflated ego and sense of importance that had 313 00:20:24,070 --> 00:20:27,050 Speaker 2: caused him to hurt someone. I think about how many 314 00:20:27,090 --> 00:20:29,210 Speaker 2: people in my life I have cut off from hearing 315 00:20:29,230 --> 00:20:32,810 Speaker 2: the gospel because I was harsh or judgmental or mean. 316 00:20:33,550 --> 00:20:36,169 Speaker 2: Sometimes we get so lost in our zealous mission that 317 00:20:36,570 --> 00:20:39,270 Speaker 2: We forget that we're supposed to love people. I think 318 00:20:39,310 --> 00:20:41,530 Speaker 2: about all the people that I have hurt and all 319 00:20:41,570 --> 00:20:45,390 Speaker 2: the ears that Jesus has had to put back. Perhaps 320 00:20:45,430 --> 00:20:48,390 Speaker 2: you find yourself in a place like Malchus today. Perhaps 321 00:20:48,450 --> 00:20:51,590 Speaker 2: you've darkened the doors of a church or you've been 322 00:20:51,609 --> 00:20:53,469 Speaker 2: a part of the church your whole life all to 323 00:20:53,510 --> 00:20:57,230 Speaker 2: be hurt by someone. Someone's cutting or judgmental words have 324 00:20:57,570 --> 00:21:01,280 Speaker 2: left a scar. They've left you from hearing truly the 325 00:21:01,340 --> 00:21:06,210 Speaker 2: love of Jesus. Today, know that the imperfections and self-righteousness 326 00:21:06,250 --> 00:21:11,010 Speaker 2: of some of Jesus' disciples doesn't necessarily reflect Jesus himself. 327 00:21:11,590 --> 00:21:14,070 Speaker 2: Look at the gospel. Look at the story of Jesus. 328 00:21:14,690 --> 00:21:16,890 Speaker 2: Does he seem like the type of person who wants 329 00:21:16,930 --> 00:21:20,020 Speaker 2: to cut off your ear and shove you aside? Or 330 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 2: is he the type of person to mend what's been 331 00:21:22,619 --> 00:21:26,060 Speaker 2: broken and restore you so that you can be an 332 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:29,639 Speaker 2: agent of change, love, healing, and justice in this world? 333 00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:33,670 Speaker 2: Don't let the self-righteous, don't let the pompous, And don't 334 00:21:33,730 --> 00:21:37,010 Speaker 2: let the zealous bring you down. Be an example to them, 335 00:21:37,230 --> 00:21:40,189 Speaker 2: an example of love, an example of courage, an example 336 00:21:40,230 --> 00:21:44,570 Speaker 2: of temperance, and an example of forgiveness. As we learned 337 00:21:44,650 --> 00:21:48,110 Speaker 2: in some of our previous episodes, Peter is continually wrestling 338 00:21:48,170 --> 00:21:50,540 Speaker 2: with his identity. And this is going to be an 339 00:21:50,650 --> 00:21:52,669 Speaker 2: action he is going to have to repent from and 340 00:21:52,730 --> 00:21:55,480 Speaker 2: really wrestle with. People are going to go through their 341 00:21:55,500 --> 00:21:58,080 Speaker 2: own process of redemption, and Jesus is going to take 342 00:21:58,140 --> 00:22:01,620 Speaker 2: them through that process. But as for you, find healing 343 00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:05,290 Speaker 2: and find restoration today. If you've been caught in a 344 00:22:05,330 --> 00:22:08,390 Speaker 2: flurry of self-righteousness thinking that God somehow needs you to 345 00:22:08,910 --> 00:22:12,209 Speaker 2: own all the atheists or to prove every single person wrong, 346 00:22:12,869 --> 00:22:16,230 Speaker 2: don't get it backwards. God doesn't need your defending. He 347 00:22:16,290 --> 00:22:21,670 Speaker 2: needs your devotion and he needs you to walk with love, compassion, mercy, 348 00:22:21,810 --> 00:22:24,170 Speaker 2: and truth to be a blessing to the people around 349 00:22:24,210 --> 00:22:27,949 Speaker 2: you instead of a hindrance. Thanks again for listening to 350 00:22:27,970 --> 00:22:30,620 Speaker 2: the Jesus Podcast. We're going to keep rolling with more 351 00:22:30,710 --> 00:22:35,060 Speaker 2: outcast stories and then gracefully go into a whole new 352 00:22:35,119 --> 00:22:37,180 Speaker 2: series on the miracles of Jesus. 353 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:38,200 Speaker 1: Can't wait.