Basic Questions

1. Identify as completely as possible the person in need (e.g., age, ethnic origin, religion, gender, social status).
   Simon Peter struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

2. What was the immediate, obvious need?
   Malchus' ear was cut off.

3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing?
   The person in need? Others? Jesus?
   How was it expressed?
   Jesus, Jesus said, "No more of this!" He touched the man's ear and healed him. (Luke 22:51)

4. Describe the actions or process leading to the healing; that is, what was said (e.g., questions, requests, commands) and what was done (e.g., approaching, following, touching, publicly/privately), and by whom?
   Soldiers were coming to arrest Jesus.
   When Jesus' followers saw this they asked "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" (Luke 22:49)
   Simon Peter struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. (John 18:10)
   Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11)
   Jesus touched the man's ear and healed him. (Luke 22:51)

5. Did the person in need or someone else verbally express faith? Non-verbally? Describe how and by whom faith was in involved in this healing.
   N/A

6. What were the evidences that the person was healed?
   It was obvious Malchus' ear was healed.

7. What were the reactions to the healing?
   It doesn't really say. Read A Love Note to Caiaphas
   The fact that John tells us 50 years later about Malchus might indicate that Malchus was part of the early church.
   The miracle being witnessed by many didn't stop Jesus from being arrested and crucified.

8. What in this narrative led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need?
   Compassion, and Jesus didn't want to change God's plan (John 18:11).

Digging Deeper

1. Why do you suppose Jesus told the apostles to buy swords?
   Look at (Luke 22:35-38). The swords may have been intended for everyday needs - like food. Peter is the one who decided to use it for other purposes.

   Peter is easy to identify with. He loves Jesus and is ready to defend Him. So when the soldiers approach wanting to arrest Jesus, it's natural for Peter to act - afterall Jesus is the one who told them to buy a sword.

2. Where and when did this healing take place? What does this healing say about Jesus?
   The healing takes place as soldiers were seizing Jesus to arrest Him. (Matt 26:50) It shows Jesus loves all and tries to reach all.

3. What basic teachings of Jesus are illustrated in this account?

   Matt 5:43-44     "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

   Jesus' love and healing is for all - even your enemies.

4. Look at Luke 22:49-50, how does this instruct us?

   Jesus' followers took time to ask the question "Lord, should we strike with our swords?". Simon Peter didn't wait for the answer - "Put you sword back in its place" (Matt 26:52). This highlights the need to take time to question Jesus and listen for His answer before we act.

5. How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus answers their question about their swords (John 18:11)?
   The disciples wanted to defend Jesus and themselves. I�m sure they were confused by Jesus� lack of defense or attempt to escape. They probably wouldn't have understood John 18:11 until much later.

   It's important to listen and obey Jesus even when we don't understand. We may not understand His answer until much later.

6. What lesson(s) have you learned about healing from this account?

   Jesus' love and healing is for all - even your enemies.

   Matt 5:43-44     "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

   It's important to take time to question Jesus and listen for His answer before we act.

   It's important to listen and obey Jesus even when we don't understand. We may not understand His answer until much later.