Luke 22:49-51 (CEB)

49 When those around him recognized what was about to happen, they said, “Lord, should we fight with our swords?” 50 One of them struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.

51 Jesus responded, “Stop! No more of this!” He touched the slave’s ear and healed him.


Reflection

This miracle, only seen in the synoptic Gospel of Luke, is such a quick, passing event – but quite important. There are a few things that are significant things here:

  1. Even in the moment of Jesus being betrayed and wrongfully arrested, he is teaching, healing, and caring.
  2. Often the way we think of how to “fight for God” is purely our desire, not God’s.
  3. Even when we handle issues incorrectly, God offers healing and kindness.

But what particularly stands out to me about this miracle, is Jesus’ control and almost futuristic kind of healing. In the past number of years, there have been reports of scientists across the globe growing back ears in patients.

So, it’s interesting reading about Jesus performing this miracle that, 2,000 years later, we are learning how to perform. This is not to say it wasn’t a miracle, it surely was, but what is the relationship of medicine and science to miracles?

Many lifesaving acts that doctors and surgeons perform today in their own right by what they can complete, are miracles. This is a different view of miracles. These are learned, trained professionals who can perform the kinds of miracles people pray for. We’ve been looking at so many miracles in these devotionals over the past few weeks, and I think what can make conversations about miracles so difficult is that the miracles of Jesus don’t seem very present in our day to day.

What this miracle reminds us, though, is that yes – God’s miracles are abundant. Here. In the 21st century. Sometimes they’re unexplained. Sometimes they’re through others – maybe a doctor or a scientist.

Miracles are all around!

by Rachel Callender


For Pondering & Prayer

The word “miracle” can feel very churchy. It can feel very ancient. What does that word mean for you in your present context?

Prayer: God of miracles, You surround us with your grace and love every day even when we do not see it. Open our eyes this day to Your miraculous presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.