Pastor Jim Jackson, 8/30/20 The G.O.A.T.—pt. 21; Jesus Repairs The Servant’s Ear Luke 22:47-53

Jesus is betrayed by one he LOVED Over three years earlier, Judas was part of a large crowd that followed Jesus intermittently as he traveled Israel. Eventually, Jesus chose twelve men from the crowd to be with him on a daily basis for teaching and training. His intent was to multiply himself as a teacher in his students (Luke 6:12-16). The disciples were not just to learn from their master but to become like him (Luke 6:40). Christianity is not merely about what you learn (scholarship) but mostly about how you live (discipleship)! Though Jesus was aware who would betray him, he continued to train and love Judas for years. Right up until Judas chose to leave the last supper to betray him, Jesus cared for him so much, he even washed his feet (John 13:1-5, 27). Sometimes your heart is broken the deepest by those you love the most!

Jesus is arrested by those who HATED him Knowing Jesus normally took his disciples to a grove of olive trees just outside Jerusalem called Gethsemane, Judas told Caiaphas, the high priest, he was probably there (Luke 22:1-6). So, under cover of night, Judas led Roman soldiers and Jewish Temple officers to arrest Jesus (John 18:1-3). For years, Jesus taught in the Temple and around Jerusalem, so the majority of those arresting him would’ve heard him speak or knew about him. Knowing that arresting a person at night with no formal charge was illegal, the soldiers, officers, and officials did it based on either their own hatred or ‘just doing their job’ for the hatred of others. While there can be reasons for feelings of dislike or distrust, hatred is always a choice (John 15:25).

Jesus healed one who was UNDESERVED In the mob that Judas led to arrest Jesus, was the high priest’s servant named Malchus (John 18:10). He was probably sent along by Caiaphas to make sure everything was taken care of and to report if something went wrong. As the disciples realize Jesus is going to be arrested, Peter pulls out his sword and—while trying to stab or cut off his head—slices off Malchus’ ear. Jesus then rebukes Peter, picks up the ear, and puts it back on his head fully healed! Jesus is arrested and brought to Caiaphas’ house for trial. At some point, Malchus would have told his boss about the miracle, adding to the undeserved hatred of Jesus. Jesus gave grace to those who deserved none!