Defending the Rock -Pt 2

Again, in John’s gospel, chapter 18, beginning with verse three, we find this incident concerning Jesus and Peter:
So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."
This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him.” (NIV)Jesus was being betrayed by one of his own, Judas, while the other disciples stood by watching. Judas has all the “help” he needs to secure Jesus’ arrest; he has officials representing the Jews and soldiers representing Rome, giving at least tacit consent of the prevailing government. Jesus has committed no wrong, yet they are arresting him. Again, actions do not emerge from nothing, so out of his ignorant love Simon Peter pulls a sword to defend his Lord, though not a soldier, and greatly outnumbered. The important note here is Peter acted; while the others stood idly by, too afraid to come to Jesus’ defense, Peter acted, despite any hope of winning and realizing the probable outcome. All too often we call Peter impulsive, acting rashly, but in light of the circumstance, we must realize that he was living a kingdom heart, for as Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Peter was willing to lay down his life for his friend, his Lord, Jesus. Peter actively demonstrated the very love Jesus desires us to live; the heart was right, even if the action was wrong