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"Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus" (John 18:10). "But Jesus answered 'Stop! No more of this.' And He touched his ear and healed him" (Luke 22:51).

Today let us examine a rather obscure Bible character whose proper name is mentioned only once. During the arrest of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane we read about Malchus, a servant to the high priest. As Jesus was being arrested Peter, attempting to protect Him, took out his sword and cut off Malchus' ear. (Interestingly only John's account specifies it was Peter who did the deed).

During the fracas as they were subduing Peter, Christ picked up the severed ear and, much to the consternation of Malchus, reattached the ear making it perfectly whole again. (This is the last recorded healing miracle of Jesus prior to His death on the Cross.)

All four Gospels briefly mention the story of Malchus whose name means "king", with each gospel contributing details not necessarily found in the others. However, after this encounter he is never again mentioned in Scripture, so it leaves me wondering what happened to him. Could he really go on after this experience without following Christ? And of course with this week's study touching on those who witnessed the events of Christ's final days was he among those who looked on at the cross from afar?

In my personal study I often wonder, what happened to a particular Bible character, especially one who appears briefly in the Scripture and then disappears without further information. And Malchus is one of those people.

We're left wondering, what does he do next? Does he continue with the mocking crowd or does he experience a conversion transformation as a result of his brief encounter with Jesus? Perhaps he had heard about Jesus' power to heal and now had a most unusual personal encounter. Of course, there is much to speculate when so little information is given.

That his story is mentioned in each of the Gospels and John's specific use of his name may very well indicate that Malchus was known to the early church. If so, what a testimony he must have had! His favorite verse was probably, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 14:35). Do you suppose his grandchildren approached him with this request, "Grandpa, tell us again about the story when you got your ear cut off by Simon Peter and Jesus of Galilee picked it up and reattached it". That request was probably followed up with each child taking a turn pulling on the ear that was miraculously restored.

Whenever Malchus looked in the mirror, combed his hair, or scrubbed his ear(s) he had a tangible reminder of the Savior's miraculous power and compassionate touch. What do you have in your life that serves as a reminder that Christ made a difference? It may be something tangible, it might be a scar, it may be a miraculous physical healing, perhaps a memory, maybe a vivid dream that God used to change your life. But for all of us the old rugged cross of Calvary should serve as a reminder.

So often I believe there is an unknown component to our attempted impact for Christ. What impact did this divine encounter have on Malchus? We sow seed and at times we see the harvest, but often times we don't. We'll just have to wait to find out what heaven more fully reveals. We may meet up with a former slave to the high priest, by the name of Malchus, and if so he'll surely give us quite an ear full!

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13