Healing the Ear of Malchus – Miracle of Jesus

Free online resources based on Jesus restoring the ear of Malchus, the servant of the High Priest. This story can be found primarily in Luke, with references in the other three Gospels. See below for links to sermons, stories and entertaining sites for this miracle.

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. — John 18:10 AMP

Healing the Ear of Malchus – Summary

After an agonizing night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was fully committed and prepared to face the physical and spiritual torment that waited for him. As the disciples were sleeping, a mob including soldiers and slaves approached, led by one of Jesus’ own disciples, Judas. They had a prearranged signal for identifying Jesus in the dark. Judas would betray Jesus by a kiss, a sign of affection.

Jesus’ followers asked, “Should we fight?”

John tells us Peter, who was quite the passionate man, did not even wait for a response. He swung wildly, cutting off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the High Priest. And you can safely assume that Peter was probably not aiming for the ear.

Jesus immediately said, “Put away your sword! Shall I not obey my Father?”

With this, he reached out and touched Malchus, restoring his ear. Certainly this experience changed Malchus, inside and out, but we do not hear from him again in the Bible. Although in John’s Gospel, one of the servants who accused Peter of being a disciple, was called a relative of Malchus. No doubt the story of the miracle spread throughout the High Priest’s household.

This is another very brief miracle in the midst of one of the most dramatic moments before the trial of Jesus. With soldiers, slaves and Peter’s aggressive response, there was a good chance that this could have become a bloody encounter. But Jesus was in complete control. He knew the Word and the prophecies. All his followers would scatter and he alone would be taken. He did not need any earthly assistance. He was very capable, as he had many times before, of walking away from that mob. But it was time to fulfill everything that was written.

While specifics are missing on this miracle of Jesus, we can note that in the midst of his betrayal and arrest, Jesus acted in love. I have no doubt that even if a soldier or priest had been the one injured, Jesus would have acted the same. That is exactly what love would do – heal the sick and care for the wounded.

Another important lesson we can learn from this miracle is that God can not only heal, but also restore. Creative miracles are no more difficult for the Creator of the universe than rebuking a fever. That is Good News for anyone missing a limb or who has a damaged body. Jesus came to heal and make you whole – spiritually AND physically. There is NOTHING He can’t do and everything is possible if you have faith in Jesus. (Jeremiah 32:27, Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23, 10:27, 11:23-24, Luke 1:37, 18:27)

Do you need physical restoration?

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS!

When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. But Jesus responded, “No more of this!” And touching his ear, He healed him. — Luke 22:49-51 HCSB

Read the healing the High Priest Servant’s Ear story in five popular translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIV, The Message:

Healing the Ear of Malchus – Matthew 26:47-56 – Mark 14:43-52 – Luke 22:47-53 –  John 18:1-13
(Please note – Luke’s account provides the most information on this miracle. The other Gospels are provided for context and other details.)

Additional Healing the Ear of Malchus Resources

Malchus, the Slave Whose Ear Was Cut Off – A fictional version based on the miracle

The Garden of Gethsemane – Lesson outline, word scramble and coloring page

Lend Me Your Ear – Jesus Restores the Ear of Malchus – A brief blog post on the miracle

Jesus Cleans Up Peter’s Mess – A brief article from Rick Renner

Search for Other Christian Web Sites.

Suggested Search Terms: Healing, miracle of Jesus, Ear of Malchus, Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-13, arrest of Jesus, betrayal, High Priest servant, Peter cuts off an ear