Series: The Touch Of Jesus [#6]
MALCHUS
John 18:10-11
Introduction:
Over the last 6 weeks we have looked at people who had been touched by Jesus. We have seen how when Jesus touches our lives we are changed forever; but I want us to see that sometimes Jesus’ influence in our lives is not what it should be. We sometimes fail because we didn’t understand, other times we fail because we didn’t listen, etc…
John 18:10-11
The disciples misunderstood the Lord’s will and the spiritual nature of His kingdom. They were ready to fight physically and that is what Peter did. Peter thought the Messiah’s hour had come, that Jesus was now ready to free Israel and establish the throne of David. Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. Jesus rebuked the disciples: their carnal commitment, their warring in the flesh. He told Peter to put his sword back into its sheath where it belonged and healed Malchus’ ear.
The disciples’ behavior was a carnal commitment. The disciples took their stand for Jesus in the flesh. Therefore they failed, and eventually they deserted Jesus. Acting in the flesh will always result in failing and deserting Christ. The disciples’ carnal commitment is seen in four mistakes. Each mistake is too often seen in the life of believers.
Mistake #1
The disciples misunderstood the Lord’s Word. They thought Jesus was to establish an earthly kingdom. They thought in terms of the earthly, the physical, the material. Therefore, they failed to grasp the spiritual and eternal Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus.
Mistake #2
They never accepted the Lord’s Word. Jesus had predicted His death and forewarned the disciples, giving them extensive training for months. Yet they refused to give up their pre-conceived ideas and accept what Jesus was saying. Therefore, they did not see the eternal world of the Spirit nor the eternal salvation which Jesus was securing.
Mistake #3
Luke 22:49-50
The disciples did not wait for instructions from Jesus. They acted on their own, took matters into their own hands. The disciples had asked, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” But Jesus had not yet answered. However, this did not stop them; they went ahead and acted on their own.
Mistake #4
The disciples did not think clearly nor act wisely. They just make a quick reaction.
Conclusion:
Even after the disciples made the wrong decisions, Jesus still stopped and touched the life of a wounded man. Malchus’ life was changed forever by the man who was getting ready to die for him and the rest of the world; past, present, and future.
Christians, don’t forget the touch of Jesus on your life. Don’t make these mistakes.
“I Am A Christian”
~ by Maya Angelou ~
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I’m not shouting "I’m clean livin’."
I’m whispering "I was lost,"
Now I’m found and forgiven.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches!
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow.
