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Commentaries
English
John
  
10Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus.11Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?"


Peter had not understood his Lord, or heeded his words. He was asleep and woke up, still dozing. He noticed the soldiers and was angry, drawing his sword, which Jesus had allowed him to carry. This he lifted and struck the servant of the high priest without an order from his Lord. The servant’s ear was cut. Only John tells us this, after Peter was long dead.
John highlights Jesus’ command to his head disciple to put back the sword into its scabbard, avoid further blood letting, and spare the arrest of any disciple.
Then Jesus spoke to his disciples of the cup of divine wrath that he accepted as he prayed. Thus, we read this as an implicit reference to the spiritual struggle that went on in the Lord’s soul before his arrest. We realize that he was ready to suffer that wrath, bearing all judgment in his person for us. That cup comes directly from his Father’s hand. He thus takes what is most bitter from Him who is dearest. This he cannot bear except by love, because Father and Son are one in mankind’s redemption. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.

Prayer
We worship you, o Father, because of your love beyond our grasp. You gave your Son for us. We worship you, o Son, for your mercy and majesty and readiness to die. You did not flee the garden but defended your disciples, and surrendered to your foes. We thank you for denying yourself, for your kindness and your uprightness.
Question
What is the meaning of Jesus’ revelation of himself to his enemies at the entrance of the garden?