The Jesus Podcast

Episode: Church Hurt: Jesus & Malchus
Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Original Release: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the story of Malchus—servant of the high priest—focusing on the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Through rich storytelling and theological reflection, the episode uses Malchus’s experience as a lens to explore “church hurt”: the pain people experience from the actions of Jesus’s followers. The narrative underscores the healing and restorative nature of Jesus, even when his followers cause harm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Betrayal and Arrest

• Judas’s Betrayal (02:26–04:56)

  • Judas meets with Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, solidifying his betrayal.
  • Caiaphas decides to send a full detachment of temple guards to arrest Jesus, highlighting the perceived threat Jesus posed.
  • Malchus, introduced as a young and earnest servant, is tasked with preparing for the arrest.

• The Quiet Night in Gethsemane (07:48–09:46)

  • Zach narrates the events leading up to the arrest: Jesus celebrating Passover, instituting the Lord’s Supper, and emphasizing love among his followers.
    -"He tells them to love one another as he has loved us. That in essence, is the embodiment of all of Christ's commandments." (08:43, Zach)
  • The disciples accompany Jesus to the peaceful Garden of Gethsemane, unaware of what is about to transpire.

The Confrontation: Violence and Healing

• The Arrest and Injury (09:46–15:34)

  • Judas leads the guards to Jesus, identifying him with a kiss.
    • “Hello, Rabbi,” Judas says, betraying Jesus with both words and a kiss. (10:49–11:37)
  • Malchus is caught up in the clash. Peter, trying to defend Jesus, violently strikes Malchus’s ear with a sword.
    • "You will not take him!" (13:46, disciple—identified as Peter)
    • “Peter. Drop your weapon. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (14:34, Jesus)

• Jesus's Response: Compassion Over Retaliation (14:34–17:20)

  • Despite the chaos, Jesus remains calm, picking up Malchus's severed ear and miraculously healing him.
    • “He gently brought Malchus ear to his head and whispered something unintelligible... Then Jesus removed his hand from Malchus head. Miraculously, his ear had been put back in place.” (15:48–16:20, Narrator)
  • Malchus, expecting retribution or condemnation, receives mercy instead.
    • “He didn't see a criminal armed for revolution. He saw a healer armed with a warm smile, an understanding gaze.” (16:24, Narrator)

Contemporary Reflection: Church Hurt and Jesus's Heart

• Zach's Reflection (20:21–26:39)
  • The term "church hurt" is discussed. Many people have been wounded not directly by God, but by the actions and words of believers.
    • "The people who are on the receiving end of that are often left hurt, bruised and scarred. The term coined today is church hurt." (20:37, Zach)
  • Peter’s rash action represents how zealous believers can push people away from faith.
    • "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." (22:25, Zach)
  • Jesus’s attitude stands in contrast: Instead of responding with more violence, he restores what has been broken.
    • "People aren't the enemy… We can't view people with disdain and contempt, we have to see them with eyes of compassion." (23:21, Zach)
  • The episode emphasizes that the failings of Christians do not reflect Jesus's true character.
    • "The imperfections and self-righteousness of some of Jesus's disciples doesn't necessarily reflect Jesus himself." (24:31, Zach)
  • Listeners are invited to seek restoration, not let “church hurt” keep them from Jesus, and to be agents of healing for others.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Violence and the Kingdom of God:

  • "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..." (00:00, Narrator’s Opening Prayer)

• On Betrayal:

  • "The man I greet with a kiss on the cheek is the one you will arrest." (10:45, Judas)

• On Jesus’s Peaceful Authority:

  • "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." (14:42, Jesus)

• On Church Hurt:

  • "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." (21:14, Zach)

• On Wrong Motives:

  • "The wrong actions taken with the right motives are still wrong." (22:52, Zach)

• On God’s Needs:

  • "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 of a hindrance." (25:51, Zach)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening prayer on peace versus violence, introduction to the story of Malchus.
• 02:26–04:56 – Judas's conversation with Caiaphas; Malchus's introduction and preparations for the arrest.
• 07:48–09:46 – Host Zach sets the theological stage, emphasizing Jesus's message of love.
• 09:46–13:20 – The arrest in the garden: Identification of Jesus, supernatural moment as Jesus declares "I am He."
• 13:29–14:54 – Peter strikes Malchus, Jesus rebukes him and asserts the need for the scriptures to be fulfilled.
• 15:34–16:56 – Jesus heals Malchus's ear; a transformative encounter for Malchus.
• 20:21–26:39 – Zach’s reflective commentary on church hurt, Peter’s motives, and the healing nature of Jesus for those hurt by the church.

Episode Themes

• Church Hurt and Healing: The pain caused by imperfect followers does not negate Jesus's intention to heal and restore.
• Zeal vs. Compassion: Well-meant actions done with the wrong spirit can inflict deep wounds; true Christlikeness is marked by compassion and restoration.
• Jesus’s True Character: Jesus demonstrates authority through humility and healing, not retaliation or force.

Takeaways for Listeners

• If you've been hurt by people in the church, that does not reflect Jesus's true heart.
• It's okay to acknowledge and grieve wounds inflicted in the name of faith; healing and restoration are available.
• Jesus calls his followers to set aside self-righteous zeal and instead embody compassion, mercy, and love—reflecting his true character to the world.
• Christians are challenged to recognize the consequences of their actions and words, striving to be builders of peace and encouragement.

Next episode: More stories of outcasts, flowing into a new series on the miracles of Jesus. Stay tuned for continued exploration of Christ’s radical love and restorative power.