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Friday Devotional:
John 18:1 - 19:42
Malchus. He appears in only two short verses in this lengthy reading, and yet he is named: Malchus. He's "the high priest's slave" - hardly a role of honor, power, or prestige. Nevertheless, he becomes the target for Peter's grief-driven rage, the gospel writer records his name, and we remember him.
In the frantic confusion of the garden, Peter, one of Jesus' followers, commits an act of violence in retaliation against Malchus, an enslaved man who was probably ordered to participate in Jesus' arrest by a powerful higher-up. His name means"king" or "my kingdom"
In beautiful paradox, as Jesus heals his ear, we see the kind of kingdom Jesus is creating-one where the hurting and wounded receive healing and are known by name, where violence and power do not win the day, where antagonists of the gospel are loved instead of ostracized, and where even the most strident followers always have room to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is.
You know each of us by name, O God. May I work to ensure that all are known, loved, and cared for. Amen.
An excerpt from Christ in Our Home
If you would like a copy of Christ in Our Home
Please contact the church office at 805-983-0612
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