Malchus - Religious Wounds

He was just doing his job when one of those religious zealots pulled out a sword and cut off his ear. Maybe, like Malchus, you’ve had a hurtful encounter with one of Jesus’ followers. Perhaps you still have wounds that serve as reminders of why you keep your distance from Jesus and His followers. While Malchus’ story begins with a wound inflicted by one of Jesus’ followers, it ends with a miraculous healing by Jesus. The Bible doesn't tell us what direction Malchus took at this cross road, but it does offer hope for all those who would bear the scars of religious wounds.

Crossroad #2: Will you be directed by your wounds or the Healer?

1. Wounds are inevitable.
2. The wounds of life will either make you better or bitter.
3. When we choose to allow our wounds to define us be grow bitter.
4. When we follow the Great Physician we get better.

Malchus at the Crossroads: John 18:6-14 & 19-24

Christ Follower: Be careful before pulling a sword in defense of Jesus.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

Questions to Consider:

Has someone inflicted a wound that has separated you from Jesus?

How long will you let your wounds define and direct you?

Will you allow Jesus to absorb your wounds and find healing in His cross?