The Restoring of Malchus' Ear (Luke 22:49-51) by Rev. Martyn McGeown
I. The Need
II. The Act
III. The Reasons
John Calvin: “We are much more courageous and ready for fighting than for bearing the cross; and, therefore, we ought always to deliberate wisely what the Lord commands, and what he requires from every one of us, lest the fervor of our zeal exceed the bounds of reason and moderation … Instead of a proper and well-regulated zeal, confused irregularity for the most part reigns in us … Yet from this we draw a useful doctrine, that those who resort to unlawful means on the plea of necessity pour dishonor on God. If a man is destitute of lawful aid and support, he runs headlong to wicked schemes and sinful undertakings; and the reason is, that few look for the secret protection of God, which alone ought to be sufficient to set our minds at rest. Are we threatened with danger? Because no remedy can be discovered according to the flesh, we make this or the other contrivance, as if there were no angels in heaven, who—Scripture frequently tells us—are placed as guardians for our salvation. In this way we deprive ourselves of their assistance; for all who are impelled, by their restlessness and excessive anxiety, to stretch out their hands to forbidden remedies for evils, do unquestionably renounce the providence of God” (Commentary on the Gospels, vol. 3, pp. 243-244, 247).