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 --> 00:01:43,190 Speaker 1: laid down His life to lift us up. Amen. Thank 18 00:01:43,209 --> 00:01:46,510 Speaker 1: you for praying with me today. You're listening to The 19 00:01:46,569 --> 00:01:52,130 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Epic stories from the Gospel, retold with dramatic 20 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:57,120 Speaker 1: tension and deep contemplation. Remain here to listen to the 21 00:01:57,240 --> 00:02:02,680 Speaker 1: often untold story of Malchus. His story mirrors many who 22 00:02:02,700 --> 00:02:06,860 Speaker 1: have been hurt by the followers of Jesus and require healing. 23 00:02:08,180 --> 00:02:12,410 Speaker 1: Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing 24 00:02:12,470 --> 00:02:15,750 Speaker 1: so will keep you updated, but also help us get 25 00:02:15,810 --> 00:02:19,750 Speaker 1: discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus 26 00:02:20,050 --> 00:02:24,230 Speaker 1: to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. 27 00:02:26,750 --> 00:02:29,430 Speaker 2: Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane in just 28 00:02:29,470 --> 00:02:32,530 Speaker 2: a few hours. He's finishing a meal with the rest 29 00:02:32,570 --> 00:02:35,650 Speaker 2: of his followers. He'll take them there to pray. I 30 00:02:36,590 --> 00:02:40,170 Speaker 2: don't know his plans after that, so we must move swiftly. 31 00:02:40,930 --> 00:02:44,450 Speaker 1: Half of Judah's face was hidden in shadows, and the 32 00:02:44,510 --> 00:02:49,950 Speaker 1: other half illuminated by flickering torchlight. His hands shook slightly 33 00:02:50,710 --> 00:02:54,750 Speaker 1: as he stood before the high priest Caiaphas. He had 34 00:02:54,810 --> 00:02:59,430 Speaker 1: already accepted the silver Now it was time to give 35 00:02:59,510 --> 00:03:00,910 Speaker 1: Jesus up completely. 36 00:03:02,270 --> 00:03:05,470 Speaker 2: Give me a small company of guards. I'm sure he'll 37 00:03:05,490 --> 00:03:08,840 Speaker 2: go quietly. He wouldn't dare make a scene. 38 00:03:09,910 --> 00:03:11,519 Speaker 1: Caiaphas leaned over his desk. 39 00:03:12,260 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 3: I once saw a crowd of nearly 10,000 people gather 40 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:19,640 Speaker 3: to see him preach. I refuse to take any chances 41 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:23,680 Speaker 3: by sending a few soldiers. The entire temple guard will 42 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:27,570 Speaker 3: leave with you. Three hundred armed men should be enough. 43 00:03:28,270 --> 00:03:29,910 Speaker 1: Caiaphas gestured to a servant. 44 00:03:30,350 --> 00:03:33,889 Speaker 3: Malchus, see to it that every man is armed with 45 00:03:33,950 --> 00:03:38,230 Speaker 3: a sword. Tell them to bring plenty of torches. I 46 00:03:38,270 --> 00:03:41,030 Speaker 3: want his followers to scurry like rats when they see 47 00:03:41,050 --> 00:03:41,730 Speaker 3: you approaching. 48 00:03:42,250 --> 00:03:46,050 Speaker 1: Malchus was a young man with ruddy hair. His beard 49 00:03:46,170 --> 00:03:50,070 Speaker 1: was barely grown, but his eyes were intense and confident. 50 00:03:51,170 --> 00:03:54,270 Speaker 1: He stood up straight and bowed his head to Caiaphas. 51 00:03:54,890 --> 00:03:57,570 Speaker 4: As you wish, High Priest Caiaphas. It shall be done. 52 00:03:58,250 --> 00:04:01,610 Speaker 1: Malchus turned with Judas to gather the detachment of soldiers. 53 00:04:02,850 --> 00:04:06,500 Speaker 1: A few other of the temple servants trailed behind. But 54 00:04:06,540 --> 00:04:09,380 Speaker 1: before they exited the hall, Caiaphas added. 55 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:14,980 Speaker 3: Malchus, this task is of great importance to the sanctity 56 00:04:15,020 --> 00:04:19,790 Speaker 3: of this temple, the law of Moses, and Adonai. Do 57 00:04:19,910 --> 00:04:20,690 Speaker 3: not fail. 58 00:04:21,450 --> 00:04:25,580 Speaker 1: Malchus bowed his head again. Yes, Lord Caiaphas. The young 59 00:04:25,620 --> 00:04:29,540 Speaker 1: man escorted Judas out of the room. Together they gathered 60 00:04:29,580 --> 00:04:33,430 Speaker 1: the detachment of temple guards and soldiers. It was a 61 00:04:33,490 --> 00:04:39,470 Speaker 1: small army, armed and ready to arrest Jesus. Malchus was 62 00:04:39,529 --> 00:04:44,050 Speaker 1: perturbed that one man had caused such a commotion. The 63 00:04:44,210 --> 00:04:47,650 Speaker 1: angry rants of his master had seeped into his heart 64 00:04:48,010 --> 00:04:54,680 Speaker 1: as well. Seems excessive for just one man, Malchus murmured. Judas' 65 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:56,230 Speaker 1: eyes darted sideways. 66 00:04:57,060 --> 00:04:58,750 Speaker 2: He isn't just a man. 67 00:04:59,830 --> 00:05:03,810 Speaker 1: Malchus waved off the comment. He was a devoted follower 68 00:05:03,850 --> 00:05:07,270 Speaker 1: of the temple. An enemy of the temple was an 69 00:05:07,330 --> 00:05:12,920 Speaker 1: enemy of his. The soldiers armed themselves, lit their torches, 70 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:19,100 Speaker 1: and marched toward the Mount of Olives. Storm clouds swirled 71 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:25,140 Speaker 1: above them, like dark vultures preparing to descend. Thunder rumbled 72 00:05:25,180 --> 00:05:29,060 Speaker 1: in the distance, shaking their chests as they marched upward. 73 00:05:30,580 --> 00:05:35,479 Speaker 1: Malchus walked beside them. Caiaphas' venomous words echoed in the 74 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:40,360 Speaker 1: chambers of his mind. Who were they about to arrest? 75 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:50,250 Speaker 1: A harmless rabbi or a dangerous criminal? When God made mankind, 76 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:53,159 Speaker 1: he made us in his image. He designed us to 77 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:56,540 Speaker 1: be representatives of his character and his nature. But with 78 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:59,380 Speaker 1: the fall of man, sin was swept across God's good 79 00:05:59,460 --> 00:06:02,620 Speaker 1: creation like a swarm of locusts. And as a result, 80 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:07,190 Speaker 1: God's greatest creation, us, was fractured. And though we may 81 00:06:07,310 --> 00:06:10,409 Speaker 1: still be made in God's image, the ugliness of sin 82 00:06:10,589 --> 00:06:13,770 Speaker 1: finds ways to slip through the cracks. But Jesus can 83 00:06:13,830 --> 00:06:16,230 Speaker 1: mend us and heal us from all of our hurt. 84 00:06:16,970 --> 00:06:21,299 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories told with cinematic 85 00:06:21,400 --> 00:06:25,490 Speaker 1: flair and honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, 86 00:06:25,850 --> 00:06:28,010 Speaker 1: and I'm stoked to be back with you. We're nearing 87 00:06:28,089 --> 00:06:30,870 Speaker 1: the end of our stories of Jesus and the outcasts, 88 00:06:31,290 --> 00:06:33,930 Speaker 1: so make sure to follow the podcast and stick around 89 00:06:33,990 --> 00:06:37,110 Speaker 1: so that you get to finish. Today's epic narrative begins 90 00:06:37,210 --> 00:06:39,570 Speaker 1: after a quiet night of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. 91 00:06:40,130 --> 00:06:42,850 Speaker 1: Jesus and his disciples have settled into the upper room 92 00:06:42,910 --> 00:06:46,230 Speaker 1: of a home in Jerusalem. He washes their feet, demonstrating 93 00:06:46,290 --> 00:06:49,669 Speaker 1: his humble servant's heart, and shares a Passover meal with them. 94 00:06:50,150 --> 00:06:53,250 Speaker 1: He institutes the Lord's Supper, or as we might know it, communion, 95 00:06:53,650 --> 00:06:57,289 Speaker 1: and concludes by giving them powerful words of encouragement. He 96 00:06:57,330 --> 00:07:01,410 Speaker 1: tells them to love one another as he has loved us. That, 97 00:07:01,690 --> 00:07:05,010 Speaker 1: in essence, is the embodiment of all of Christ's commandments. 98 00:07:05,490 --> 00:07:09,000 Speaker 1: He wants us to be people moved and mobilized by love. 99 00:07:09,890 --> 00:07:11,860 Speaker 1: He knew that this would be their last meal together 100 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:14,540 Speaker 1: before his death, and he wanted to prepare. 101 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:16,710 Speaker 5: Them for the days ahead. At the conclusion of the meal, 102 00:07:16,770 --> 00:07:19,380 Speaker 5: Jesus takes his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, a 103 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:21,080 Speaker 5: place they had often gone to together. 104 00:07:21,620 --> 00:07:22,380 Speaker 1: The garden was. 105 00:07:22,380 --> 00:07:24,480 Speaker 5: Nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a 106 00:07:24,620 --> 00:07:28,260 Speaker 5: lustrous hill filled with olive groves. The spot was also 107 00:07:28,300 --> 00:07:31,540 Speaker 5: filled with highly sought-after tombs as a place to honor 108 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:34,900 Speaker 5: lost loved ones with a beautiful final resting place. With 109 00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:38,119 Speaker 5: the irony not lost to Jesus, this was the place 110 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:40,720 Speaker 5: he would share his final moments with the disciples before 111 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:43,640 Speaker 5: his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. 112 00:07:46,490 --> 00:07:49,820 Speaker 1: The brook Kidron carried the blood of sacrifices spilling from 113 00:07:49,860 --> 00:07:54,500 Speaker 1: the temple. The water was crimson, cutting through the garden 114 00:07:54,580 --> 00:07:59,460 Speaker 1: like an open wound. Judas led the detachment of soldiers 115 00:07:59,540 --> 00:08:03,890 Speaker 1: through the garden. They stopped at a hedge. It hid 116 00:08:03,930 --> 00:08:08,990 Speaker 1: them slightly. Although their presence was indeed known by now, 117 00:08:10,070 --> 00:08:12,210 Speaker 1: they looked over the hedge and saw a group of 118 00:08:12,270 --> 00:08:16,640 Speaker 1: men talking to each other at a distance. The moon's 119 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:23,270 Speaker 1: silvery gleams were hidden behind storm clouds. Malchus nudged Judas 120 00:08:23,830 --> 00:08:25,970 Speaker 1: and pointed forward. It's dark. 121 00:08:26,470 --> 00:08:28,830 Speaker 4: How will we know which man to arrest? We can't 122 00:08:28,870 --> 00:08:30,090 Speaker 4: all spring out at once. 123 00:08:31,070 --> 00:08:32,630 Speaker 2: I will greet him with a kiss. 124 00:08:33,910 --> 00:08:37,179 Speaker 1: One final time. Judas replied with a tinge of remorse. 125 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:42,940 Speaker 1: His jaw was clenched and his palms were sweaty. He 126 00:08:42,960 --> 00:08:44,400 Speaker 1: was clearly in agony. 127 00:08:45,140 --> 00:08:46,900 Speaker 2: The man I greet with a kiss on the cheek 128 00:08:46,980 --> 00:08:48,260 Speaker 2: is the one you will arrest. 129 00:08:48,820 --> 00:08:53,140 Speaker 1: They watched the group closely. One of them stepped forward. 130 00:08:54,350 --> 00:08:58,710 Speaker 1: He marched over the brook Kidron. His stride was deliberate, 131 00:08:59,370 --> 00:09:02,150 Speaker 1: like an arrow pointed toward a target. There he is, 132 00:09:02,610 --> 00:09:06,970 Speaker 1: Judas whispered under his breath. He stepped out from the shadows. 133 00:09:08,929 --> 00:09:14,790 Speaker 1: Judas appeared like a wolf sauntering out of its den. There, 134 00:09:15,130 --> 00:09:19,800 Speaker 1: under the moon's faint glow, the wolf and the lamb 135 00:09:20,540 --> 00:09:25,720 Speaker 1: stood yards away from each other. Hiding the cowardice between 136 00:09:25,740 --> 00:09:33,750 Speaker 1: an insincere smile, Judas approached his master and greeted him. Hello, Rabbi, 137 00:09:34,350 --> 00:09:36,510 Speaker 1: he said, accompanied by a kiss. 138 00:09:37,130 --> 00:09:37,770 Speaker 2: That's the one! 139 00:09:38,390 --> 00:09:40,929 Speaker 1: Malchus pointed at Jesus and looked back at the soldiers. 140 00:09:41,270 --> 00:09:42,219 Speaker 3: Prepare yourselves! 141 00:09:43,080 --> 00:09:46,920 Speaker 1: The small army emerged from the shadows behind Judas, armed 142 00:09:47,440 --> 00:09:55,150 Speaker 1: and ready to attack. Jesus looked deeply into Judas' eyes. Sorrow, authority, 143 00:09:56,070 --> 00:10:00,080 Speaker 1: and understanding anchored his voice. So this is how you 144 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:01,440 Speaker 1: betray the Son of Man? 145 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:03,179 Speaker 4: With a kiss? 146 00:10:04,220 --> 00:10:07,400 Speaker 1: Jesus looked over Judah's shoulder and gestured to the soldiers 147 00:10:07,540 --> 00:10:07,960 Speaker 1: behind him. 148 00:10:08,540 --> 00:10:09,540 Speaker 4: Whom do you seek? 149 00:10:10,280 --> 00:10:15,000 Speaker 1: Malchus was suddenly nervous. There was a strange shift in 150 00:10:15,040 --> 00:10:22,200 Speaker 1: the air, as if the He no longer felt in control. 151 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:25,020 Speaker 1: The feeling vexed him even more. 152 00:10:25,620 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 4: We seek Jesus of Nazareth. 153 00:10:28,210 --> 00:10:31,130 Speaker 1: Jesus' eyes reflected the torches. 154 00:10:31,150 --> 00:10:32,350 Speaker 4: I am he. 155 00:10:32,990 --> 00:10:36,229 Speaker 1: As Jesus answered, something stirred among the heavens and the earth. 156 00:10:37,210 --> 00:10:42,530 Speaker 1: Thunder rumbled. Lightning streaked across the sky. And the mighty 157 00:10:42,690 --> 00:10:47,680 Speaker 1: winds of God billowed against the soldiers with veracity, pushing 158 00:10:47,740 --> 00:10:51,560 Speaker 1: the men off their feet and onto their backs. Malchus 159 00:10:51,640 --> 00:10:55,040 Speaker 1: flew back with them, hitting the ground and losing his breath. 160 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:58,570 Speaker 1: The men were quick to recoil and spring back to 161 00:10:58,610 --> 00:11:03,270 Speaker 1: their feet, flustered and confused. Some drew out their swords, 162 00:11:03,929 --> 00:11:09,949 Speaker 1: but others cowered back in confusion. Jesus, still calm, asked again, 163 00:11:10,570 --> 00:11:16,120 Speaker 1: Whom do you seek? Malchus, shaky and uncertain, replied. 164 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:20,920 Speaker 4: We seek Jesus of Nazareth. I have already told you 165 00:11:20,980 --> 00:11:23,830 Speaker 4: that I am he. All I ask is that you 166 00:11:23,850 --> 00:11:27,790 Speaker 4: let my friends go. They have done nothing wrong. It 167 00:11:27,850 --> 00:11:28,910 Speaker 4: is me you want. 168 00:11:29,610 --> 00:11:34,910 Speaker 1: Jesus stretched out his hands to be bound. Malchus and 169 00:11:34,950 --> 00:11:39,210 Speaker 1: a few soldiers inched forward with trepidation, swords drawn, but 170 00:11:39,270 --> 00:11:42,550 Speaker 1: trembling in their hands. But before they could take a 171 00:11:42,630 --> 00:11:47,050 Speaker 1: complete step, one of Jesus' followers shouted, You will not 172 00:11:47,070 --> 00:11:50,300 Speaker 1: take him! Malkus' eyes widened when he saw the large 173 00:11:50,380 --> 00:11:54,860 Speaker 1: man approach. His sword was drawn and raised to strike. 174 00:11:56,420 --> 00:12:00,980 Speaker 1: Malkus quickly lifted his sword to parry. The man hopped back, 175 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:06,980 Speaker 1: then swung downward again, aiming at Malkus' head. Malkus turned 176 00:12:07,020 --> 00:12:09,939 Speaker 1: his body to dodge, but the sword grazed his ear 177 00:12:10,260 --> 00:12:14,880 Speaker 1: and chopped it off. Malkus cried out and fell to 178 00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:19,220 Speaker 1: the ground. Holding his bloodied head, and writhing in pain. 179 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:25,320 Speaker 1: His entire body shook with shock. The other guards jumped 180 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:28,719 Speaker 1: onto the man. He kicked and screamed with his sword 181 00:12:28,780 --> 00:12:29,319 Speaker 1: in his hand. 182 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:31,100 Speaker 2: Master, run! 183 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:35,870 Speaker 1: But Jesus didn't run. Peter, drop your weapon. 184 00:12:36,750 --> 00:12:40,170 Speaker 4: Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. 185 00:12:41,330 --> 00:12:44,069 Speaker 4: You have seen my power. Do you not think I 186 00:12:44,090 --> 00:12:46,750 Speaker 4: could have my father send legions of angels to fight 187 00:12:46,809 --> 00:12:51,530 Speaker 4: on my behalf? What is happening must happen for the 188 00:12:51,590 --> 00:12:53,150 Speaker 4: scriptures to be fulfilled. 189 00:12:54,030 --> 00:12:58,780 Speaker 1: Jesus calmly walked toward Malchus. The guards raised their swords, 190 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:03,079 Speaker 1: but Jesus raised his hands and assured them he meant 191 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:08,569 Speaker 1: no harm. He slowly bent over and picked up Malchus' 192 00:13:08,650 --> 00:13:14,150 Speaker 1: bloody ear from the ground. Malchus whimpered in the dirt. 193 00:13:15,510 --> 00:13:19,130 Speaker 1: A rush of hatred boiled up within him. He hated 194 00:13:19,190 --> 00:13:22,109 Speaker 1: what Peter had done to him. He hated Jesus, too. 195 00:13:23,290 --> 00:13:25,530 Speaker 1: He didn't ask for any of this. He was just 196 00:13:25,610 --> 00:13:29,050 Speaker 1: following orders. He was being a good servant. 197 00:13:29,670 --> 00:13:32,459 Speaker 4: Caiaphas was right about them. They're dangerous. 198 00:13:32,980 --> 00:13:33,900 Speaker 3: They're unhinged. 199 00:13:34,660 --> 00:13:38,740 Speaker 1: The blood dripping from Malchus' head was boiling with rage. 200 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:45,070 Speaker 1: Jesus approached with Malchus' ear in his hand. He raised 201 00:13:45,110 --> 00:13:45,880 Speaker 1: it to Malchus' head. 202 00:13:46,350 --> 00:13:47,410 Speaker 4: Get away from me! 203 00:13:47,970 --> 00:13:53,250 Speaker 1: Bitterness and hatred bled out of Malchus. But Jesus remained calm. 204 00:13:54,670 --> 00:13:58,250 Speaker 1: He gently brought Malchus' ear to his head and whispered 205 00:13:58,330 --> 00:14:06,220 Speaker 1: something unintelligible. Everything was muffled and muted to Malchus. The 206 00:14:06,260 --> 00:14:11,730 Speaker 1: winds shifted slowly. and the leaves hushed to some unfamiliar tune. 207 00:14:13,550 --> 00:14:19,880 Speaker 1: Then Jesus removed his hand from Malchus' head. Miraculously, his 208 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:25,180 Speaker 1: ear had been put back in place. Malchus touched his 209 00:14:25,260 --> 00:14:30,660 Speaker 1: ear and looked up at Jesus. He didn't see a 210 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 1: criminal armed for revolution. He saw a healer armed with 211 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:43,870 Speaker 1: a warm smile an understanding gaze. Jesus extended a hand 212 00:14:43,970 --> 00:14:49,640 Speaker 1: to Malchus. He accepted it and Jesus helped him to 213 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:54,580 Speaker 1: his feet. The guards released Peter and the rest of 214 00:14:54,620 --> 00:14:59,560 Speaker 1: the disciples ran away, fearing for their lives. They scattered 215 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:05,750 Speaker 1: like rats. Jesus raised his voice to the guards, completely 216 00:15:05,870 --> 00:15:07,390 Speaker 1: controlling the situation. 217 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:10,780 Speaker 4: Daily I taught in the temple, but none of you 218 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:11,680 Speaker 4: arrested me then. 219 00:15:12,590 --> 00:15:14,250 Speaker 1: Why? I will tell you. 220 00:15:14,970 --> 00:15:18,490 Speaker 4: This is how it must be for the word to 221 00:15:18,530 --> 00:15:19,230 Speaker 4: be fulfilled. 222 00:15:20,190 --> 00:15:23,450 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus raised his hands for them to 223 00:15:23,510 --> 00:15:28,760 Speaker 1: bind him. The guards sprang into action, passing Malchus with 224 00:15:28,820 --> 00:15:33,500 Speaker 1: clubs and rope. They shoved him to the ground, beat him, 225 00:15:34,120 --> 00:15:39,220 Speaker 1: and tied him up. They dragged him away. but Malchus 226 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:45,500 Speaker 1: remained there. He watched them take Jesus, but from his 227 00:15:45,620 --> 00:15:52,140 Speaker 1: angle it seemed Jesus was taking them. Malchus knew then 228 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:57,479 Speaker 1: that Jesus was not a victim or a powerless captive. 229 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:03,240 Speaker 1: He held his hands up to his ear and followed them. 230 00:16:05,520 --> 00:16:10,410 Speaker 1: Malchus was still unsure who Jesus was, But he was 231 00:16:10,470 --> 00:16:15,690 Speaker 1: determined to hear every last word he had to say. 232 00:16:21,140 --> 00:16:24,020 Speaker 5: Let's be honest for a moment. Life with other people 233 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:28,340 Speaker 5: in whatever capacity is messy. And this reality is no 234 00:16:28,420 --> 00:16:30,950 Speaker 5: different for the people of God. Though the church is 235 00:16:30,990 --> 00:16:34,390 Speaker 5: a vibrant community filled with God's love, it's also composed 236 00:16:34,490 --> 00:16:37,400 Speaker 5: of imperfect people. As a pastor, I've had a few 237 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:39,520 Speaker 5: people come up to me and say, the church is 238 00:16:39,590 --> 00:16:42,830 Speaker 5: filled with hypocrites. And my answer to that is, well, 239 00:16:42,870 --> 00:16:46,350 Speaker 5: it's filled with a lot worse than hypocrites. You see, 240 00:16:46,390 --> 00:16:49,610 Speaker 5: the church is made up of imperfect people, face-planting through life, 241 00:16:49,770 --> 00:16:53,470 Speaker 5: desperately reaching for God. Though we aim to show everyone 242 00:16:53,490 --> 00:16:55,570 Speaker 5: the tender care and love of God, there are times 243 00:16:55,630 --> 00:16:58,650 Speaker 5: when we honestly fall short. And the people who are 244 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:02,260 Speaker 5: on the receiving end of that are often left hurt, bruised, 245 00:17:02,420 --> 00:17:06,250 Speaker 5: and scarred. The term coined today is church hurt. People 246 00:17:06,270 --> 00:17:08,570 Speaker 5: who have grown up in the church or entered into 247 00:17:08,609 --> 00:17:11,709 Speaker 5: the doors of church and had a traumatic and bad experience. 248 00:17:12,310 --> 00:17:15,600 Speaker 5: Whether it was the hypocrisy of leadership or passive aggressive 249 00:17:15,650 --> 00:17:19,240 Speaker 5: comments or insults, their experience with God's people left a 250 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:22,160 Speaker 5: bad taste in their mouth and as a result, really 251 00:17:22,220 --> 00:17:25,580 Speaker 5: cut off their ears to hearing the gospel. Such is 252 00:17:25,619 --> 00:17:28,959 Speaker 5: the experience of Malchus, a temple guard who finds himself 253 00:17:29,020 --> 00:17:31,669 Speaker 5: at the wrong end of Peter's sword. Hurt by one 254 00:17:31,690 --> 00:17:34,670 Speaker 5: of Jesus' followers, he projects his pain and anger onto 255 00:17:34,710 --> 00:17:37,540 Speaker 5: the Lord himself. There are many Malchuses in our world, 256 00:17:37,780 --> 00:17:40,140 Speaker 5: people who have been cut off from hearing the gospel 257 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:42,419 Speaker 5: because of cutting words or betrayal from a member of 258 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:45,899 Speaker 5: the church. Countless individuals have found themselves wronged in the 259 00:17:45,940 --> 00:17:48,440 Speaker 5: name of God. But our story reminds us that those 260 00:17:48,460 --> 00:17:50,580 Speaker 5: who have been hurt by the church and God's people 261 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:53,500 Speaker 5: don't have to remain hurt. Though people may harm us, 262 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:57,500 Speaker 5: Jesus wants to heal us. Our story begins with Judas' 263 00:17:57,580 --> 00:18:00,250 Speaker 5: private meeting with Caiaphas, the chief priest of the Jewish 264 00:18:00,290 --> 00:18:03,270 Speaker 5: temple in Jerusalem. This was the moment he locked in 265 00:18:03,350 --> 00:18:06,010 Speaker 5: his decision to betray Jesus, the man who he once 266 00:18:06,050 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 5: called a friend. Caiaphas sends Judas with a large detachment 267 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:12,480 Speaker 5: of Roman soldiers and officers from the temple guard. Though 268 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:15,660 Speaker 5: they may not have known what to expect in apprehending Jesus, 269 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:18,280 Speaker 5: they were going to prepare themselves for anything. They weren't 270 00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:20,950 Speaker 5: going to let Jesus continue to spread his message any longer. 271 00:18:21,710 --> 00:18:23,890 Speaker 5: As they enter the garden, they are faced with Jesus 272 00:18:23,970 --> 00:18:27,470 Speaker 5: and his ragtag team of disciples. No armies formed from 273 00:18:27,490 --> 00:18:30,379 Speaker 5: the masses ready for revolt. No mobs waiting to be 274 00:18:30,450 --> 00:18:34,119 Speaker 5: set loose with violent revolution. Just 12 men enjoying the 275 00:18:34,140 --> 00:18:37,379 Speaker 5: calm of the night. This quickly changes though when Peter 276 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:41,220 Speaker 5: jumps into action to defend Jesus and cuts off Malchus' ear. 277 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:44,800 Speaker 5: Peter likely thought he was taking an incredible leap of 278 00:18:44,859 --> 00:18:48,680 Speaker 5: faith to defend Jesus. The only problem is Jesus doesn't 279 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:52,980 Speaker 5: need us to defend him. Just moments prior, Jesus had 280 00:18:53,140 --> 00:18:56,820 Speaker 5: just sent the troops flying onto their backs. Peter's act 281 00:18:56,859 --> 00:18:59,359 Speaker 5: of boldness, as noble as it might have seemed on 282 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,460 Speaker 5: the surface, wasn't what the Lord was calling him to do. 283 00:19:03,140 --> 00:19:04,060 Speaker 2: It's unfortunate to. 284 00:19:04,020 --> 00:19:07,500 Speaker 5: See Peter in this place. Peter allowed his own inflated 285 00:19:07,590 --> 00:19:11,110 Speaker 5: sense of importance get in the way. Maybe Peter's heart 286 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:13,250 Speaker 5: was in the right place, wanting to protect his teacher. 287 00:19:13,730 --> 00:19:17,150 Speaker 5: The wrong actions taken with the right motives are still wrong. 288 00:19:17,750 --> 00:19:20,550 Speaker 5: What Peter didn't understand is that people aren't the enemy. 289 00:19:21,470 --> 00:19:24,180 Speaker 5: God calls us to prepare for battle, but it's not 290 00:19:24,200 --> 00:19:28,300 Speaker 5: a battle against people. Ephesians 6.10 says this, We do 291 00:19:28,340 --> 00:19:31,820 Speaker 5: not battle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 292 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:34,399 Speaker 5: against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, 293 00:19:34,460 --> 00:19:37,260 Speaker 5: against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 294 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:40,470 Speaker 5: We have one enemy, and that's Satan, the one who 295 00:19:40,530 --> 00:19:43,470 Speaker 5: stands opposed to God's will on every front. This is 296 00:19:43,510 --> 00:19:45,690 Speaker 5: why Jesus rebuked Peter in the way that he did 297 00:19:45,730 --> 00:19:49,530 Speaker 5: in Matthew 16. People aren't the enemy. The ones who 298 00:19:49,590 --> 00:19:53,540 Speaker 5: are opposed to Jesus are lost. We can't view people 299 00:19:53,580 --> 00:19:56,580 Speaker 5: with disdain and contempt. We have to see them with 300 00:19:56,840 --> 00:20:00,179 Speaker 5: eyes of compassion. I have seen many people caught up 301 00:20:00,220 --> 00:20:03,820 Speaker 5: in the same delusions as Peter. You see, Peter thought 302 00:20:04,020 --> 00:20:09,260 Speaker 5: that Jesus needed his defendings. He thought that somehow, someway, God, 303 00:20:09,340 --> 00:20:12,860 Speaker 5: the creator of the universe, the master of the stars 304 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:16,240 Speaker 5: and the heavens, the one who crafted and formed the cosmos, 305 00:20:16,320 --> 00:20:20,419 Speaker 5: somehow needed his sword. Peter was gravely mistaken, and it 306 00:20:20,460 --> 00:20:23,959 Speaker 5: was an over-inflated ego and sense of importance that had 307 00:20:24,070 --> 00:20:27,050 Speaker 5: caused him to hurt someone. I think about how many 308 00:20:27,090 --> 00:20:29,210 Speaker 5: people in my life I have cut off from hearing 309 00:20:29,230 --> 00:20:32,810 Speaker 5: the gospel because I was harsh or judgmental or mean. 310 00:20:33,550 --> 00:20:36,169 Speaker 5: Sometimes we get so lost in our zealous mission that 311 00:20:36,570 --> 00:20:39,270 Speaker 5: We forget that we're supposed to love people. I think 312 00:20:39,310 --> 00:20:41,530 Speaker 5: about all the people that I have hurt and all 313 00:20:41,570 --> 00:20:45,390 Speaker 5: the ears that Jesus has had to put back. Perhaps 314 00:20:45,430 --> 00:20:48,390 Speaker 5: you find yourself in a place like Malchus today. Perhaps 315 00:20:48,450 --> 00:20:51,590 Speaker 5: you've darkened the doors of a church or you've been 316 00:20:51,609 --> 00:20:53,469 Speaker 5: a part of the church your whole life all to 317 00:20:53,510 --> 00:20:57,230 Speaker 5: be hurt by someone. Someone's cutting or judgmental words have 318 00:20:57,570 --> 00:21:01,280 Speaker 5: left a scar. They've left you from hearing truly the 319 00:21:01,340 --> 00:21:06,210 Speaker 5: love of Jesus. Today, know that the imperfections and self-righteousness 320 00:21:06,250 --> 00:21:11,010 Speaker 5: of some of Jesus' disciples doesn't necessarily reflect Jesus himself. 321 00:21:11,590 --> 00:21:14,070 Speaker 5: Look at the gospel. Look at the story of Jesus. 322 00:21:14,690 --> 00:21:16,890 Speaker 5: Does he seem like the type of person who wants 323 00:21:16,930 --> 00:21:20,020 Speaker 5: to cut off your ear and shove you aside? Or 324 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 5: is he the type of person to mend what's been 325 00:21:22,619 --> 00:21:26,060 Speaker 5: broken and restore you so that you can be an 326 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:29,619 Speaker 5: agent of change, love, healing, and justice in this world? 327 00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:33,670 Speaker 5: Don't let the self-righteous, don't let the pompous, And don't 328 00:21:33,730 --> 00:21:37,010 Speaker 5: let the zealous bring you down. Be an example to them, 329 00:21:37,230 --> 00:21:40,189 Speaker 5: an example of love, an example of courage, an example 330 00:21:40,230 --> 00:21:44,570 Speaker 5: of temperance, and an example of forgiveness. As we learned 331 00:21:44,650 --> 00:21:48,110 Speaker 5: in some of our previous episodes, Peter is continually wrestling 332 00:21:48,190 --> 00:21:50,540 Speaker 5: with his identity. And this is going to be an 333 00:21:50,650 --> 00:21:52,669 Speaker 5: action he is going to have to repent from and 334 00:21:52,730 --> 00:21:55,480 Speaker 5: really wrestle with. People are going to go through their 335 00:21:55,500 --> 00:21:58,080 Speaker 5: own process of redemption, and Jesus is going to take 336 00:21:58,140 --> 00:22:01,620 Speaker 5: them through that process. But as for you, find healing 337 00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:05,290 Speaker 5: and find restoration today. If you've been caught in a 338 00:22:05,330 --> 00:22:08,390 Speaker 5: flurry of self-righteousness thinking that God somehow needs you to 339 00:22:08,910 --> 00:22:12,209 Speaker 5: own all the atheists or to prove every single person wrong, 340 00:22:12,869 --> 00:22:16,230 Speaker 5: don't get it backwards. God doesn't need your defending. He 341 00:22:16,290 --> 00:22:21,670 Speaker 5: needs your devotion and he needs you to walk with love, compassion, mercy, 342 00:22:21,810 --> 00:22:24,170 Speaker 5: and truth to be a blessing to the people around 343 00:22:24,210 --> 00:22:27,960 Speaker 5: you instead of a hindrance. Thanks again for listening to 344 00:22:27,980 --> 00:22:30,620 Speaker 5: the Jesus Podcast. We're going to keep rolling with more 345 00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:35,060 Speaker 5: outcast stories and then gracefully go into a whole new 346 00:22:35,119 --> 00:22:37,180 Speaker 5: series on the miracles of Jesus. 347 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:38,200 Speaker 1: Can't wait.