Almost overlooked in this dark hour of Ch.18 is one bright moment that few have ever made more than passing mention: Malchus. John, Matthew, nor Mark records this miracle, and so we are grateful to Luke the physician who alone tells us of the Master's healing touch to this servant's ear. Although it may not have been germane to John's overall thesis as earlier stated, yet it had its purposes, of which I will share 4:

It could not be said of Jesus when arrested that He resisted. It was not insignificant that this was the High Priest's servant who would later have opportunity for this testimony, perhaps to his employer.

It was a demonstration that Jesus' power was still at its peak, and He could have done more for their own protection, but did not. His word alone had driven them to the ground.

It was for the benefit of Peter's immediate and future safety. One wonders what part Providence played in preventing Peter's sword from finding its target in the neck of this servant that would have brought on a whole host of different accompanying circumstances. Think on this!

And not the least important, it was for the personal benefit of the victim of Peter's unsanctioned act of defiance. No one knows of Malchus' end, but again, as others were affected by our Savior's healing touch, one is left to wonder of his response to this personal act of love (this was not a healing from the recipient's faith as the many others), and what his later life brought. Imagine his story told!

Satan is now bringing to bear the forces of darkness through the instrument of man in an attempt to snuff out the Light of the world. If one listens carefully one can hear the echo through the ages of Job's wife's counsel: "Curse God and die!" to end such unbearable human suffering that no man should have to endure, especially for someone else. But endure He will, faithful to the end, obedient to the Father's will, for the benefit of all mankind. One cannot fathom the result if He should fail. The Cross is the Portal through which He must pass to reenter His Glory of that other World. It is no less today for you and me; don't you see? (Heb.5:7-10)