Luke 22:51
But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 22:51
But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus doesn't just say "stop," he says "allow it thus far," subtly implying that this violence has reached its limit but also, incredibly, that his own mission is about to reach its intended point. Then, in a stunning act of grace, he uses the very weapon meant for his harm as an opportunity to display a profound, unsolicited healing.
As Jesus is being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of his disciples (identified in John's Gospel as Peter) impulsively strikes out with a sword, severing the ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus immediately rebukes the disciple for using violence and, in a remarkable act of compassion amidst his own betrayal, touches the injured man's ear and heals him. This moment highlights Jesus' willingness to endure suffering for a greater purpose, even as chaos erupts around him and his followers scatter.
In the midst of His arrest, chaos erupts as a disciple reacts with violence. How does Jesus respond?
The scene is intense: Jesus is being arrested, and His disciples are ready to defend Him. One disciple, identified by John as Peter, impulsively draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, severing his ear. Jesus' immediate response is a command: “No more of this!” (or in some translations, “Let it go this far”).
This isn't just a simple request; it's a profound declaration. It signals Jesus’ intention to halt the violence and prevent further escalation. It also powerfully underscores His commitment to His Father's plan, even when faced with extreme opposition. He is not going to resist arrest through force, because His purpose is not to fight but to fulfill Scripture and offer Himself as a sacrifice.
In the heat of the moment, with His own arrest underway, Jesus performs an astonishing act of mercy. What does this reveal about His character?
Immediately after commanding "No more of this!", Jesus performs a remarkable act of compassion: He touches the wounded ear and heals the man who was attempting to arrest Him. This is a stunning demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and His unwavering mercy, even towards His enemies.
This moment, though brief, highlights Jesus' profound obedience to God's plan, His compassion even for His enemies, and His disciples' initial misunderstanding of His kingdom.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Arrested in Garden of Gethsemane
Judas Iscariot leads a group of soldiers and temple guards to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper.
c. AD 30
Peter Strikes Servant of High Priest
In the ensuing commotion, one of Jesus' disciples, later identified as Peter, draws a sword and strikes the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest.
c. AD 30
Jesus Heals Malchus' Ear
Jesus rebukes Peter and then, with a touch, heals the ear of Malchus, demonstrating compassion even in His own moment of arrest.
c. AD 30
Disciples Flee
Following Jesus' arrest and His words about fulfilling scripture, all His disciples forsake Him and flee.
c. AD 30
Jesus directly addresses Peter's impulsive violence, stating, 'Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.' This highlights Jesus' consistent teaching against using force, even in His defense.
John 18:10-11This passage identifies Peter as the one who drew the sword and provides Jesus' command to 'Put thy sword into the sheath.' It emphasizes Jesus' submission to God's will over self-defense.
Isaiah 53:7This prophecy describes the suffering servant 'oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.' This powerfully echoes Jesus' passive and non-resistant response in Luke 22.
1 Peter 2:23Peter, who himself drew the sword, later writes about Jesus' example: 'When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.' This shows Peter’s later understanding of Jesus’ actions.
Luke 9:54In response to the Samaritans' rejection, the disciples James and John ask, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to consume them?' Jesus rebukes them, showing His consistent pattern of forbidding violent responses, even when His followers are provoked.
clarkeLuke 22:51: "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."
Suffer ye thus far - Or, Suffer me to go thus far. As they had now a firm hold of Christ, Matthew 26:50 , he wished them to permit him to go as far as Malchus, whose ear was cut off, that he might heal it. See the objections brought against this interpretation answered by Kypke; and see the examples he produces. However, the words may be understood as an address to his disciples: Let them proc…
vincentLuke 22:51: "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."
Suffer ye thus farThis is variously interpreted. I think the text requires that the words should be addressed to the disciples, and taken as the answer to the question, shall we smite, etc. The meaning then is, permit them to go so far as to seize me. The expression thus corresponds with Matthew 26:52,Ear (ὠτίου)This time Luke uses the diminutive. Wyc., little ear.HealedOnly Luke records the…
Jesus doesn't just say "stop," he says "allow it thus far," subtly implying that this violence has reached its limit but also, incredibly, that his own mission is about to reach its intended point. Then, in a stunning act of grace, he uses the very weapon meant for his harm as an opportunity to display a profound, unsolicited healing.
As Jesus is being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of his disciples (identified in John's Gospel as Peter) impulsively strikes out with a sword, severing the ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus immediately rebukes the disciple for using violence and, in a remarkable act of compassion amidst his own betrayal, touches the injured man's ear and heals him. This moment highlights Jesus' willingness to endure suffering for a greater purpose, even as chaos erupts around him and his followers scatter.
As Jesus is being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of his disciples (identified in John's Gospel as Peter) impulsively strikes out with a sword, severing the ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus immediately rebukes the disciple for using violence and, in a remarkable act of compassion amidst his own betrayal, touches the injured man's ear and heals him. This moment highlights Jesus' willingness to endure suffering for a greater purpose, even as chaos erupts around him and his followers scatter.
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Jesus Before High Priest Annas
Jesus is first taken to Annas, the former high priest, who questions Him about His disciples and His teachings.
c. AD 30
Jesus Before High Priest Caiaphas
Jesus is then brought before Caiaphas, the current high priest, where the Sanhedrin convenes to try Him.
c. AD 30
Jesus Taken to Pilate
After His trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is handed over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to be tried and sentenced.
"But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him." — Jesus doesn't just say "stop," he says "allow it thus far," subtly implying that this violence has reached its limit but also, incredibly, that his own mission is about to reach its intended point.…