Attacking Instead of Healing
When Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter reacted without listening to Jesus. If only he had called Jesus' words to mind, Peter would have avoided another mistake - that of attacking instead of healing.
We read: "One of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And he touched the man's ear and healed him." (Luke 22:50-51)
Peter was in fight mode. He woke up, saw Judas arrive, and he jumped straight into the scene with his sword lifted and ready!
I very much doubt that he was trying to cut off this man's ear. He was trying to cut off his head! But the man probably ducked and the sword clipped his ear.
I think Peter was trying to overcompensate here. He had boasted that he would not let Jesus down like the others, but then he fell asleep in the garden. He was probably trying to really prove himself.
So he came out sword swinging!
Attack Mode or Healing Mode
Some people live their lives this way. In attack mode. It's a dog-eat-dog world, we're taught. So be ready to attack or be attacked. Devour or be devoured. Kill or be killed.
I think this is very true in terms of spiritual battles. You and I have got spiritual enemies who seek to kill and destroy our spirits. We need to wake up in the morning ready to stand firm against the enemy's attacks, and to attack him back with the sword of the Spirit - the Bible, the Word of God.
After all, when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, He used Scripture to counter Satan's temptations. The Bible is a sword, Paul says, to attack spiritual enemies and bring defeat to them.
We need to kill sin so that it doesn't kill us.
But when it comes to people, to flesh and blood, we don't attack. We offer healing.
Jesus' Final Miracle Before the Cross
I love this moment! Jesus' last miracle before He died was not something that benefitted Him. It was an act of love. An act of healing. A gracious touch that healed a man in pain.
The world may say: devour! Attack! Jesus says: surrender. Offer healing. Put away your swords.
Isn't it amazing that even in this pivotal, tension-filled, crazy moment, Jesus is looking to heal? Isn't this typical of Jesus?
Consider your own relationships. Consider your conversations: with family, with friends, with colleagues, with strangers even.
Are you in attack mode? Or in healing mode? Are you ready to take someone's head off? Or heal their wounds?
Of course, we don't walk around with swords. We use words mostly these days. But the Bible also addresses that: "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18)
Learn from Peter's mistake. Don't go into the world sword raised high! Go into the world with hands open to love, to pray, to help, to heal.
God bless you this weekend my friends. Let's avoid the mistakes the disciples made that night, by following Jesus with all our hearts.
Jesus’ last miracle before he died was to heal a man. How unlike Him is Peter, who lashes out!