What Would Malchus Say?
A powerful fictional reflection from the perspective of Malchus, the servant whose ear was cut off in the garden of Gethsemane. Though he came to arrest Jesus, he left with a miracle—and a memory that never faded.
(This is a fictional reflection based on biblical events, meant to stir thought and point to truth.)
The fire crackled low as the kids gathered close. One of the boys leaned in, eyes full of curiosity.
“Grandpa… is it true someone once cut your ear off?”
Malchus smiled, slowly touching the side of his head. “You won’t see a scar,” he said. “But I remember it like it was yesterday.”
The kids leaned in tighter. He took a slow breath and looked into the flames.
“I was a servant back then. Just a young man. Worked for the high priest. Did what I was told. That night we went out to the garden to arrest a man named Jesus. We knew He’d be there. We brought soldiers, torches, weapons. Like He was a criminal.
“But He didn’t run. He didn’t hide. He stepped forward.”
Malchus paused. “Then one of His followers—Peter, I later learned—pulled out a sword. Swinging wild. He wasn’t aiming for my ear, I’ll tell you that much.”
The children gasped.
“I dropped to the ground. I could feel the blood running. I reached for what was left… but then He knelt beside me. Jesus. The one we came to arrest.”
Malchus swallowed hard, his voice softer now.
“He touched me. That’s it. Just touched me. And I was whole again. No pain. No scar. Just… whole.”
The fire popped. The children sat silent.
“I came to take Him away,” Malchus said. “And He healed me. I was part of the crowd that came to hurt Him—and He still helped me. I didn’t understand it then. I’m still not sure I understand it now.”
He looked around at the young faces staring up at him.
“But I never forgot Him. Not once. I watched what they did to Him later. I heard the stories. I saw the sky go dark. And I’ve spent my whole life wondering…”
He stopped, then leaned forward.
“If a man can heal His enemy in the middle of being betrayed—maybe He really was who He said He was.”
“But Jesus responded and said, ‘Stop! No more of this.’ And He touched his ear and healed him.” Luke 22:51
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
