Church Hurt: Jesus & Malchus

Summary

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The Jesus Podcast: "Church Hurt: Jesus & Malchus" (June 5, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast dives into the often-overlooked story of Malchus, the servant whose ear was cut off by Peter during Jesus’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Blending cinematic storytelling with theological reflection, the podcast explores the theme of “church hurt”—when followers of Jesus inflict pain, intentionally or not, upon others. By paralleling Malchus’s literal wound with the emotional and spiritual wounds people experience within religious communities, the episode offers a compelling message of healing, warning, and hope.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context & Betrayal in the Garden

• The Setting: Jesus, after sharing a final meal and words with his disciples (communion, foot-washing, and commandments of love), retires to the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer (08:02–10:00).
• The Plot Against Jesus: The episode opens with Caiaphas and Judas orchestrating Jesus’s arrest, underscoring the escalating tension and massing of temple guards to apprehend a man who had peacefully gathered crowds (04:40–07:13).
• Judas’s Agony: Despite betraying Jesus for silver, Judas’s remorse is palpable, highlighted in the dark, stormy setting (10:00–11:51).

2. The Arrest and Malchus’s Injury

• Identifying Jesus: Judas identifies Jesus to the guards through a kiss, an act both intimate and treacherous—“Hello, Rabbi” (11:02–11:51).
• Peter’s Attack: As soldiers move in, Peter tries to defend Jesus, slicing off Malchus's ear (14:00–14:43).
• Jesus’s Response: Jesus rebukes Peter for using violence—“Peter. Drop your weapon. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword…”—emphasizing the futility of violence and His commitment to fulfilling scripture in a nonviolent manner (14:47–15:08).

3. Healing, Reflection, and "Church Hurt"

• Jesus Heals Malchus: Despite Malchus’s initial hatred and bitterness, Jesus approaches him calmly, miraculously healing his ear and extending compassion even to an enemy (16:00–16:48).
• Transformation: Malchus’s perspective shifts from viewing Jesus as a threat to recognizing him as a healer and a man of peace (16:48–17:34).
• Insight from Zach (Host):
  • The incident is a metaphor for “church hurt”—wounds inflicted by followers that can block people from experiencing the gospel (19:03–21:50).
  • Peter’s zealous but misplaced violence demonstrates how well-intentioned actions by Christ’s followers can still do harm.
  • The real enemy, as per Ephesians 6:10, is not people but spiritual darkness.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Violence vs. Peace:
  • “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”
    — Narrator, opening prayer (00:00)
• Betrayal’s Sting:
  • “He’ll take them there to pray... We must move swiftly… The entire temple guard will leave with you—300 armed men should be enough.”
    — Caiaphas (04:40–05:26)
• Malchus’s Initial Anger:
  • “Caiaphas was right about them. They’re dangerous. They’re unhinged.”
    — Malchus (15:43)
• Jesus’s Authority & Compassion:
  • "Peter. Drop your weapon. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword..."
    — Jesus (14:47)
  • “…He didn’t see a criminal armed for revolution. He saw a healer armed with a warm smile, an understanding gaze.”
    — Narrator, on Malchus’s reaction after his healing (16:48)
• On Church Hurt:
  • “The church is made up of imperfect people. Face-planting through life desperately reaching for God…There are many Malchuses in our world; people who have been cut off from hearing the Gospel because of cutting words or betrayal from a member of the church.”
    — Zach (19:03)
• God’s Call to Love:
  • “God doesn’t need your defending, he needs your devotion. And He needs you to walk with love, compassion, mercy and truth.”
    — Zach (24:45)

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• Prayer and Intro Reflection: 00:00–01:40
• Caiaphas/Judas Plotting: 04:40–07:13
• Host Contextualizing The Garden Scenes: 08:02–10:00
• Arrest of Jesus—Malchus’s Perspective: 10:00–13:43
• Peter's Attack and Jesus’s Healing: 14:01–16:48
• Malchus’s Changed Heart: 16:48–17:34
• Host’s Reflection on Church Hurt: 19:03–24:45

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Analysis & Takeaways

• The “Malchus Moment” serves as a vivid reminder that people are often wounded not by God, but by God’s followers. Just as Jesus restores Malchus’s ear, He seeks to heal all who have been alienated or wounded by the church.
• Jesus’s challenge to Peter—“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword”—and the subsequent act of healing, underscores the kingdom principle of radical love and nonviolence.
• The story is a powerful metaphor: defensive or aggressive zeal, even for a just cause, can cause more harm than it heals. The focus should always be on restoration, not retaliation.
• Listeners who have experienced “church hurt” are encouraged not to let negative experiences with followers obscure the healing and love offered by Christ himself.

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Conclusion

The Jesus Podcast expertly intertwines dramatic retelling and deep, honest reflection to illuminate how the story of Malchus is a mirror for many who experience pain at the hands of fellow believers. The episode closes with an invitation to move beyond hurt—allowing Jesus to heal and restore, and embodying His call to love and unity within the church and beyond.

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“God doesn’t need your defending, he needs your devotion.”
— Zach, 24:45

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Put your sword back into its place, for all those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Dear Lord, in the quietness of our hearts we contemplate the profound truth that those who live by the sword die by the sword. In humility, we recognize that the truth that violence we project over others only serves to invite harm upon ourselves. It's a cycle of brutality that contradicts the essence of your kingdom. Teach us, Lord, to be architects of peace, to use our words and deeds to build up rather than tear down. May our legacy be one of encouragement, healing and unity, reflecting your love and grace. Grant us the wisdom to understand the power of our influence, choosing to bless instead of curse, to embrace instead of exclude. Help us to see your image in every person, treating all with dignity and compassion. In this let us mirror the heart of Jesus who laid down his life to lift us up

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[Narrator]

Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast Epic stories from the Gospel retold with dramatic tension and deep contemplation. Remain here to listen to the often untold story of Malchus. His story mirrors many who have been hurt by the followers of Jesus and require healing. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible.

[Caiaphas]

Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane in just a few hours. He's finishing a meal with the rest of his followers. He'll take them there to pray. I don't know his plans after that, so we must move swiftly.

[Narrator]

Half of Judah's face was hidden in shadows and the other half illuminated by flickering torchlight. His hands shook slightly as he stood before the high priest, Caiaphas. He had already accepted the silver. Now it was time to give Jesus up completely.

[Caiaphas]

Give me a small company of gods. I'm sure he'll go quietly. He wouldn't dare make a scene.

[Narrator]

Caiaphas leaned over his desk.

[Caiaphas]

I once saw a crowd of nearly 10,000 people gather to see him preach. I refuse to take any chances by sending a few soldiers. The entire temple guard will leave with you. 300 armed men should be enough.

[Narrator]

Caiaphas gestured to a servant.

[Caiaphas]

Malchus, see to it that every man is armed with a sword. Told them to bring plenty of torches. I want his followers to scurry like rats when they see you approaching.

[Narrator]

Malchus was a young man with ruddy hair. His beard was barely grown, but his eyes were intense and confident. He stood up straight and bowed his head to Caiaphas.

[Malchus]

As you wish, High Priest Caiaphas. It shall be Done.

[Narrator]

Malchus turned with Judas to gather the detachment of soldiers. A few other of the temple servants trailed behind. But before they exited the hall, Caiaphas

[Caiaphas]

added, malchus, this task is of great importance to the sanctity of this temple. The law of Moses and Adonai do not fail.

[Narrator]

Malchus bowed his head again.

[Malchus]

Yes, Lord. Caiaphas.

[Narrator]

The young man escorted Judas out of the room. Together they gathered the detachment of temple guards and soldiers. It was a small army, armed and ready to arrest Jesus. Malchus was perturbed that one man had caused such a commotion. The angry rants of his master had seeped into his heart as well.

[Malchus]

Seems excessive for just one man, malchus murmured.

[Narrator]

Judah's eyes darted sideways.

[Caiaphas]

He isn't just a man.

[Narrator]

Malchus waved off the comment. He was a devoted follower of the Temple. An enemy of the Temple was an enemy of his. The soldiers armed themselves, lit their torches, and marched toward the Mount of Olives. Storm clouds swirled above them like dark vultures preparing to descend. Thunder rumbled in the distance, shaking their chests as they marched upward. Malchus walked beside them. Caiaphas venomous words echoed in the chambers of his mind. Who were they about to arrest? A harmless rabbi? Or a dangerous criminal?

[Zach (Podcast Host)]

When God made mankind, he made us in his image. He designed us to be representatives of his character and his nature. But with the fall of man, sin was swept across God's good creation like a swarm of locusts. And as a result, God's greatest creation, us, was fractured. And though we may still be made in God's image, the ugliness of sin finds ways to slip through the cracks. But Jesus can mend us and heal us from all of our hurt. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast, Gospel stories told with cinematic flair and honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com and I'm stoked to be back with you. We're nearing the end of our stories of Jesus and the Outcasts, so make sure to follow the podcast and stick around so that you get to finish. Today's epic narrative begins after a quiet night of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus and his disciples have settled into the upper room of a home in Jerusalem. He washes their feet, demonstrating his humble servant's heart, and shares a Passover meal with them. He institutes the Lord's Supper, or, as we might know it, communion, and concludes by giving them powerful words of encouragement. He tells them to love one another as he has loved us. That, in essence, is the embodiment of all of Christ's commandments He wants us to be people moved and mobilized by love. He knew that this would be their last meal together before his death and he wanted to prepare them for the days ahead. At the conclusion of the meal, Jesus takes his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place they had often gone to together. The garden was nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a lustrous hill filled with olive groves. The spot was also filled with highly sought after tombs as a place to honor lost loved ones with a beautiful final resting place. With the irony not lost to Jesus, the this was the place he would share his final moments with the disciples before his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion.

[Narrator]

The brook Kidron carried the blood of sacrifices spilling from the temple. The water was crimson, cutting through the garden like an open wound. Judas led the detachment of soldiers through the garden. They stopped at a hedge. It hid them slightly, although their presence was indeed known by now. They looked over the hedge and saw a group of men talking to each other at a distance. The moon's silvery gleams were hidden behind storm clouds. Malchus nudged Judas and pointed forward.

[Malchus]

It's dark. How will we know which man to arrest? We can't all spring out at once.

[Caiaphas]

I will greet him with a kiss

[Narrator]

one final time, Judas replied with a tinge of remorse. His jaw was clenched and his palms were sweaty. He was clearly in agony.

[Caiaphas]

The man I greet with a kiss on the cheek is the one you will arrest.

[Narrator]

They watched the group closely. One of them stepped forward. He marched over the Brook Kidron. His stride was deliberate, like an arrow pointed toward a target. There he is, judas whispered under his breath. He stepped out from the shadows. Judas appeared like a wolf sauntering out of its den. There, under the moon's faint glow, the wolf and the lamb stood yards away from each other, hiding the cowardice between an insincere smile. Judas approached his master and greeted him. Hello, Rabbi, he said, accompanied by a kiss.

[Malchus]

That's the one.

[Narrator]

Malchus pointed at Jesus and looked back at the soldiers.

[Malchus]

Prepare yourselves.

[Narrator]

The small army emerged from the shadows behind Judas, armed and ready to attack. Jesus looked deeply into Judas eyes. Sorrow, authority, and understanding anchored his voice.

[Malchus]

So this is how you betray the Son of Man? With a kiss?

[Narrator]

Jesus looked over Judah's shoulder and gestured to the soldiers behind him.

[Malchus]

Whom do you seek?

[Narrator]

Malchus was suddenly nervous. There was a strange shift in the air, as if the garden itself was a companion of Jesus. He no longer felt in control. The feeling vexed him even more. We seek Jesus of Nazareth Jesus eyes reflected the torches.

[Malchus]

I am he.

[Narrator]

As Jesus answered, something stirred among the heavens and the earth. Thunder rumbled. Lightning streaked across the sky. And the mighty winds of God billowed against the soldiers with ferocity, pushing the men off their feet and onto their backs. Malchus flew back with them, hitting the ground and losing his breath. The men were quick to recoil and spring back to their feet. Flustered and confused, some drew out their swords, but others cowered back in confusion. Jesus, still calm, asked again, whom do you seek? Malchus, shaky and uncertain, replied, we seek Jesus of Nazareth.

[Malchus]

I have already told you that I am he. All I ask is that you let my friends go. They have done nothing wrong. It is me you want.

[Narrator]

Jesus stretched out his hands to be bound. Malchus and a few soldiers inched forward with trepidation, swords drawn but trembling in their hands. But before they could take a complete step, one of Jesus followers shouted, you

[Caiaphas]

will not take him.

[Narrator]

Malchus eyes widened when he saw the large man approach. His sword was drawn and raised to strike. Malchus quickly lifted his sword to parry. The man hopped back, then swung downward again, aiming at Malchus head. Malchus turned his body to dodge, but the sword grazed his ear and chopped it off. Malchus cried out and fell to the ground, holding his bloodied head and writhing in pain. His entire body shook with shock. The other guards jumped onto the man. He kicked and screamed with his sword in his hand.

[Caiaphas]

Master, run.

[Narrator]

But Jesus didn't run.

[Malchus]

Peter. Drop your weapon. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. You have seen my power. Do you not think I could have my Father send legions of angels to fight on my behalf? What is happening must happen for the scriptures to be fulfilled.

[Narrator]

Jesus calmly walked toward Malchus. The guards raised their swords, but Jesus raised his hands and assured them he meant no harm. He slowly bent over and picked up Malchus bloody ear from the ground. Malchus whimpered in the dirt. A rush of hatred boiled up within him. He hated what pain Peter had done to him. He hated Jesus too. He didn't ask for any of this. He was just following orders. He was being a good servant.

[Malchus]

Caiaphas was right about them. They're dangerous. They're unhinged.

[Narrator]

The blood dripping from Malchus head was boiling with rage. Jesus approached with Malchus ear in his hand. He raised it to Malka's head.

[Malchus]

Get away from me.

[Narrator]

Bitterness and hatred bled out of Malchus. But Jesus remained calm. He gently brought Malchus ear to his head and whispered something unintelligible. Everything was muffled and muted to Malchus. The winds shifted and the leaves hushed to some unfamiliar tune. Then Jesus removed his hand from Malchus head. Miraculously, his ear had been put back in place. Malchus touched his ear and looked up at Jesus. He didn't see a criminal armed for revolution. He saw a healer armed with a warm smile, an understanding gaze. Jesus extended a hand to Malchus. He accepted it and Jesus helped him to his feet. The guards released Peter and the rest of the disciples ran away, fearing for their lives. They scattered like rats. Jesus raised his voice to to the guards completely controlling the situation.

[Malchus]

Daily I taught in the temple, but none of you arrested me. Then why? I will tell you. This is how it must be for the Word to be fulfilled.

[Narrator]

With those words, Jesus raised his hands for them to bind him. The guards sprang into action, passing Malchus with clubs and Rome. They shoved him to the ground, beat him and tied him up. They dragged him away, but Malchus remained there. He watched them take Jesus. But from his angle, it seemed Jesus was taking them. Malchus knew then that Jesus was not of the Christian or a powerless captive. He held his hands up to his ear and followed them. Malchus was still unsure who Jesus was, but he was determined to hear every last word he had to say.

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[Zach (Podcast Host)]

Let's be honest for a moment. Life with other people in whatever capacity is messy. And this reality is no different for the people of God. Though the church is a vibrant community filled with God's love, it's also composed of imperfect people. As a pastor, I've had a few people come up to me and say the church is filled with hypocrites. And my answer to that is, well, it's filled with a lot worse than hypocrites. You see, the church is made up of imperfect people. Face planting through life desperately reaching for God. Though we aim to show everyone the tender care and love of God, there are times when we honestly fall short. And the people who are on the receiving end of that are often left hurt, bruised and scarred. The term coined today is church hurt. People who have grown up in the church or entered into the doors of church and had a traumatic and bad experience. Whether it was the hypocrisy of leadership or passive aggressive comments or insults, their experience with God's people left a bad taste in their mouth and as a result really cut off their ears to hearing the gospel. Such is the experience of Malchus, a temple guard who finds himself at the wrong end of Peter's sword. Heard by one of Jesus followers, he projects his pain and anger onto the Lord himself. There are many Malchuses in our world. People who have been cut off from hearing the gospel because of cutting words or betrayal from a member of the church. Countless individuals have found themselves wronged in the name of God. But our story reminds us that those who have been hurt by the church and God's people don't have to remain hurt. Though people may harm us, Jesus wants to heal us. Our story begins with Judas private meeting with Caiaphas, the chief priest of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This was the moment he locked in his decision to betray Jesus, the man who he once called a friend. Caiaphas sends Judas with a large detachment of Roman soldiers and officers from the temple guard. Though they may not have known what to expect in apprehending Jesus, they were going to prepare themselves for anything. They weren't going to let Jesus continue to spread his message any longer. As they enter the garden, they're faced with Jesus and his ragtag team of disciples. No armies formed from the masses ready for revolt. No mobs waiting to be set loose with violent revolution. Just 12 men enjoying the calm of the night. This quickly changes though, when Peter jumps into action to defend Jesus and cuts off Malchus earth. Peter likely thought he was taking an incredible leap of faith to defend Jesus. The only problem is Jesus doesn't need us to defend him. Just moments prior, Jesus had just sent the troops flying onto their backs. Peter's act of boldness, as noble as it might have seemed on the surface, wasn't what the Lord was calling him to do. It's unfortunate to see Peter in this place. Peter allowed his own inflated sense of importance get in the way. Maybe Peter's heart was in the right place, wanting to protect his teacher. The wrong actions taken with the right motives are still wrong. What Peter didn't understand is that people aren't the enemy. God calls us to prepare for battle, but it's not a battle against people. Ephesians 6:10 says, we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We have one enemy, and that's Satan, the one who stands opposed to God's will on every front. This is why Jesus rebukes Peter in the way that he did in Matthew 16. People aren't the enemy. The ones who are opposed to Jesus are lost. We can't view people with disdain and contempt. We have to see them with eyes of compassion. I have seen many people caught up in the same delusions as Peter. You see, Peter thought that Jesus needed his defending. He thought that somehow, some way, God, the Creator of the universe, the Master of the stars and the heavens, the one who crafted and formed the cosmos, somehow needed his sword. Peter was gravely mistaken and it was an over inflated ego and sense of importance that had caused him to hurt someone. I think about how many people in my life I have cut off from hearing the Gospel because I was harsh or judgmental or mean. Sometimes we get so lost in our zealous mission that we forget that we're supposed to love people. Think about all the people that I have hurt and all the ears that Jesus has had to put back. Perhaps you find yourself in a place like Malchus today. Perhaps you've darkened the doors of a church or you have been a part of the church your whole life, all to be hurt by someone. Someone's cutting or judgmental words have left a scar. They've left you from hearing truly the love of Jesus today. Know that the imperfections and self righteousness of some of Jesus's disciples doesn't necessarily reflect Jesus himself. Look at the Gospel. Look at the story of Jesus. Does he seem like the type of person who wants to cut off your ear and shove you aside? Or is he the type of person to mend what's been broken and restore you so that you can be an agent of change, love, healing and justice in this world. Don't let the self righteous, don't let the pompous, and don't let the zealous bring you down. Be an example to them. An example of love, an example of courage, an example of temperance, and an example of forgiveness. As we learned in some of our previous episodes, Peter is continually wrestling with his identity and this is going to be an action he is going to have to repent from and really wrestle with. People are going to go through their own process of redemption and Jesus is going to take them through that process. But as for you, find healing and find restoration today. If you've been caught in a flurry of self righteousness thinking that God somehow needs you to own all the atheists or to prove every single person wrong, don't get it backwards. God doesn't need your defending, he needs your devotion. And he needs you to walk with love, compassion, mercy and truth to be a blessing to the people around you instead, a hindrance. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. We're going to keep rolling with more outcast stories and then gracefully go into a whole new series on the miracles of Jesus. Can't wait.

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