Mark 14:47
And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
But one of the bystanders
This phrase introduces an unnamed individual among those present during Jesus' arrest. The Greek word for "bystanders" (παρεστηκώς, parestēkōs) suggests someone standing nearby, possibly a disciple. In the broader Gospel narrative, this person is identified as Peter (John 18:10). The anonymity in Mark's account may emphasize the impulsive nature of the act, reflecting human frailty and the tendency to react with violence when threatened.

drew his sword
The act of drawing a sword signifies a readiness for combat and defense. The Greek word for "sword" (μάχαιρα, machaira) refers to a short sword or large knife, commonly used in the ancient world for both practical and military purposes. This action contrasts sharply with Jesus' teachings on peace and non-violence, highlighting the tension between human instincts and divine instruction.

and struck the servant of the high priest
The servant, identified in John 18:10 as Malchus, represents the authority and power of the religious leaders who opposed Jesus. The Greek word for "struck" (πατάσσω, patassō) implies a forceful blow, indicating the severity of the action. This moment underscores the chaos and confusion of the arrest scene, as well as the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.

cutting off his ear
The specific detail of cutting off the ear (ὠτάριον, ōtarion) is significant. In the cultural and historical context, the ear symbolizes hearing and obedience. This act of violence, therefore, metaphorically represents a disruption in communication and understanding between Jesus and the religious authorities. It also foreshadows the spiritual deafness of those who fail to comprehend Jesus' message.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bystander
This refers to one of Jesus' disciples, specifically identified in other Gospels as Peter. He acts impulsively in defense of Jesus.

2. Servant of the High Priest
This individual, named Malchus in the Gospel of John, is a servant of Caiaphas, the high priest. He becomes an unintended victim in the unfolding events.

3. High Priest
Caiaphas, the high priest at the time, is a central figure in the plot to arrest and ultimately crucify Jesus.

4. Garden of Gethsemane
The location where Jesus is arrested. It is a place of prayer and betrayal, setting the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion.

5. Event of the Arrest
This moment is part of the larger account of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It highlights the tension and chaos of the situation.
Teaching Points
Impulsive Actions and Their Consequences
Peter's impulsive action serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of acting without seeking God's guidance. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and patience in moments of crisis.

Jesus' Commitment to Peace
Jesus' refusal to endorse violence, even in His defense, underscores the Christian call to peace and non-violence. Followers of Christ are called to emulate His example of love and forgiveness.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Plans
Despite human attempts to control or alter events, God's sovereign plan prevails. This incident reminds believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose, even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Healing and Restoration
Jesus' healing of Malchus' ear (as noted in Luke) illustrates His power to restore and heal, both physically and spiritually. Christians are called to be agents of healing and reconciliation in a broken world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Peter's reaction in Mark 14:47 reflect human tendencies to rely on physical strength rather than spiritual discernment? How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does Jesus' response to His arrest challenge our understanding of power and authority? How can we apply His example of peace in our interactions with others?

3. How does the healing of Malchus' ear (as described in Luke) demonstrate Jesus' compassion and authority? What does this teach us about responding to those who oppose us?

4. How can we find comfort in God's sovereignty when faced with situations that seem out of control, as seen in the events surrounding Jesus' arrest?

5. Reflect on a time when you acted impulsively and the outcome of that action. How might seeking God's guidance have changed the situation? How can you apply this reflection to future decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 26:51-52 and John 18:10-11
These passages provide additional details about the incident, identifying Peter as the disciple and Malchus as the servant. Jesus' response in these accounts emphasizes His commitment to non-violence and submission to God's will.

Luke 22:49-51
This account includes Jesus healing the servant's ear, demonstrating His compassion and authority even in moments of crisis.

Isaiah 53:7
This prophecy about the suffering servant who does not retaliate connects to Jesus' response to His arrest, highlighting His fulfillment of prophecy.
The Betrayal by JudasJ.J. Given Mark 14:1-11, 18-21, 43-50
BetrayalR. Green Mark 14:10, 11, 17-21, 43-52
Peter's FallR. Green Mark 14:27-31, 66-72
The BetrayalA.F. Muir Mark 14:43-50
The BetrayalA.F. Muir Mark 14:43-50
Violence and MeeknessE. Johnson Mark 14:43-52
People
James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives
Topics
Blow, Bondman, Chief, Cut, Cutting, Drawn, Drew, Ear, Priest, Priest's, Servant, Slave, Smote, Standing, Stood, Struck, Sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 14:47

     8282   intolerance
     8786   opposition, to sin and evil

Library
July 28 Evening
Let your requests be made known unto God.--PHIL. 4:6. Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 7 Evening
Jesus . . . was moved with compassion toward them.--MATT. 14:14. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.--He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Is it I?'
'Is it I?'--Mark xiv. 19 The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher than their ordinary stature; for they do not take to questioning one another, or even to protest, 'No!' but to questioning Christ. I. The solemn prophecy. It seems strange at first sight that our Lord should have introduced such thoughts then, disturbing the sweet repose of that hallowed hour. But the terrible fact of the betrayal was naturally suggested by the emblems
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sleeping Apostle
'Simon, sleepest thou!'--Mark xiv. 37 It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter's. There are not many features in the Gospel itself which can be relied on as confirming this idea. Perhaps one such may be found in this plaintive remonstrance, which is only preserved for us here. Matthew's Gospel, indeed, tells us that the rebuke was addressed to Peter, but blunts the sharp point of it as directed to him, by throwing it into the plural, as if spoken to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Secret Rendezvous
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Passover
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the Passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Strong Crying and Tears'
'And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33. And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith onto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
'And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. 46. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. 47. And one of them that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
'And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56. For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together. 57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, 58. We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59. But neither so did their witness agree together. 60. And the high priest stood up in their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Alabaster Box
'And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.... 8. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. 9. Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'--Mark xiv. 6-9. John's Gospel sets this incident in its due framework of time and place, and tells us the names of the actors. The time was within a week
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Questions About the Lord's Supper
THE paper which begins at this page requires a few words of prefatory explanation. It consists of fifty-one questions about the Lord's Supper, with special reference to points which are the subject of much dispute and controversy in the present day. It supplies fifty-one answers to these questions, chiefly drawn from the New Testament, and the Articles, Communion Service, and Catechism of the Church of England. It contains, in addition, some valuable extracts from the writings of standard English
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;'
Father! Not what I will;' Or, Christ the Sacrifice. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'--Mark xiv. 36. WHAT a contrast within the space of a few hours! What a transition from the quiet elevation of that, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, FATHER I WILL,' to that falling on the ground and crying in agony. My Father! Not what I will.' In the one we see the High Priest within the veil in His
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
"She hath done what she could."--MARK 14:8. MY DEAR SISTER, You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know what you can do towards moving forward these enterprises. For, remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing "what she could."
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Mark.
Commentaries. George Petter (the largest Com. on M., London, 1661, 2 vols. fol.); C. Fr. A. Fritzsche (Evangelium Marci, Lips., 1830); A. Klostermann (Das Marcusevangelium nach seinem Quellenwerthe für die evang. Gesch., Göttingen, 1867); B. Weiss (Das Marcusevangelium und seine synopt. Parallelen, Berlin, 1872); Meyer (6th ed. by Weiss, Gött., 1878); Joseph A. Alexander (New York, 1858, and London, 1866); Harvey Goodwin (London, 1860); John H. Godwin (London, 1869); James Morison
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

"She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8.
"She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8. 1 Bless, O bless, Almighty Father, Woman's mission with our race,-- Her fond strivings here to gather Fruits of thy redeeming grace. 2 Though her way be not where honor Wins the gazing world's acclaim, Yet we bless thee that upon her Rests the power of Jesus' name. 3 In that name, O Father, strengthen Her full heart and ready hands; May her efforts serve to lengthen Christian love's encircling bands. 4 Where the mourning and the needy And the suffering
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Jerusalem
For the history of the disciples after the death of Jesus we are dependent upon a single source, the Acts of the Apostles, which can, however, be controlled, and to some extent corrected, by the gospels and by the epistles of Paul. It is now generally recognised that if any one wishes to write a life of Christ he ought to base his work not on the gospels as we have them now, but rather on the information provided by the critical analysis of the gospels as to their sources. These sources, or at least
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38
Watch and Pray.--Mark. xiv. 38. Our Saviour's words are "Watch and Pray:" Lord, make us willing to obey; Lord, make us able to fulfil Thy counsel--give both power and will. The wisdom from above impart, To keep our hand, and tongue, and heart, In thought, word, deed,--that so we may Pray whilst we watch, watch while we pray. Lest while we watch, and fear no snare, We fall into neglect of prayer; Or, while we pray, and watch not, sin Creep like a subtil serpent in. When by an evil world beset,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within.
As the rind of the pomegranate is the least part of it, and includes all its excellence, so with this soul, its exterior appears of small account in comparison with what is concealed within. [42] The interior is filled with, the purest charity and the most advanced graces, but hidden under a very common exterior; for God takes pleasure in hiding away the souls He destines for Himself. Men are not worthy to know them, though the angels admire and respect them even under the humblest external form
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

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