We see one of my favorite examples of who Jesus is today. When they come to arrest Jesus, Peter draws the sword and cuts off the ear. And, if we are going to be honest, we feel like Peter sometimes, don’t we? We want to lop off some ears sometimes. Sometimes, it even feels right to do that, doesn’t it? But look at what Jesus does. He puts away the sword. I want to follow Jesus in that way. In a world that lops off ears, I want to be like Jesus. I want to bring healing. I want to bring healing in a world of pain. Let’s follow Jesus wherever He leads us.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning, friends. I hope your Tuesday is off to a great start and that your week has begun well. There’s much to look forward to, including our Christ Covered meal delivery at St. Matthew’s this weekend. With Thanksgiving preparations underway, next week’s schedule might look a little different—we’ll figure that out soon.

Today, we turn to John 18:1–14, where we see Jesus’ arrest. Let’s reflect on this passage:

This passage captures a pivotal moment: Judas leading a group to arrest Jesus, armed with weapons and torches. Yet, in the midst of betrayal and tension, Jesus steps forward with clarity and power. Three times in this exchange, Jesus declares, “I am he.” This phrase is significant, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus—“I AM.”

Notice their reaction when Jesus first says, “I am he.” The guards draw back and fall to the ground, stunned. Jesus’ declaration isn’t just identification; it’s a proclamation of His divinity and authority.

Amid the chaos, Peter—passionate and impulsive—draws his sword and strikes the high priest’s servant, Malchus, cutting off his ear. But Jesus immediately commands Peter to put away his sword. In other Gospel accounts, we learn that Jesus heals Malchus’ ear.

This moment teaches us something profound: while our instincts may drive us to fight and retaliate, Jesus chooses a different path—healing over harm, peace over violence.

If we’re honest, don’t we sometimes feel like Peter? Ready to unsheathe our metaphorical swords, cutting down those who oppose us or share differing views—whether in theology, politics, or life? Yet, Jesus calls us to something higher: to put away our swords and bring healing instead.

As Christians, we are tempted to flip tables and cut off ears, justifying it as righteous indignation. But Jesus’ response here reminds us that His way is one of reconciliation, not division. One of my professors Dr. Knick would often say, “When Christ disarmed Peter, He disarmed Christendom.”

Which Path Will We Choose? Today, we’re faced with a choice: Will we follow Peter, driven by emotion and instinct to “lop off ears”? Or will we emulate Jesus, who restores and heals even when betrayal and chaos abound?

The world needs us to be agents of healing. May we embody the spirit of Christ, putting away our swords and choosing peace.

Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue with verse 15. Have a blessed day!