(Preached in Convoy FPC in Co. Donegal. First preached in Kilskeery FPC September 11th, 1988.)

"Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus," John 18:10.

Throughout the Scriptures we discover "undesigned coincidences" which underline the supernatural character of this blessed book. There are two connected with this incident here. First of all, only Luke the physician mentions the fact that Malchus' ear was healed by the Lord Jesus. "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him," Luke 22:51. How appropriate and natural for a physician to add that detail which others passed over. Secondly, only John mentions the name of the man injured, Malchus. This was because he was known to the high priest and therefore would have known his servants. "But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter," John 18:16. Scattered throughout God's Word are little gems of this nature which set forth, in an incidental manner, the heavenly nature of this book. Tonight we will consider some lessons from Peter's action, some from the Saviour's response and some from the part Malchus played in this sacred drama.