Definition: And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very important passage from Mark’s Gospel. It’s a shocking event that reveals a lot about Jesus’ intentions and what was happening at the time. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus is in Jerusalem, preparing to be arrested and brought before the Jewish religious leaders. He’s surrounded by his disciples, and one of them, named David (which means “beloved”), stands beside him. David is a servant who works for the high priest – someone in charge of the Temple. Suddenly, without warning , David draws a sword and cuts off Jesus' ear. What This Means - It’s More Than Just a Fight: It’s a Symbolic Act of Rebellion: The most common interpretation is that this act represents Jesus challenging the authority of the religious leaders. He wasn’t just fighting physically; he was saying, "I am not afraid to challenge what you believe is right." A Sign of Intentional Punishment: The verse suggests Jesus intended to punish those who were trying to stop him from being arrested and brought before them. It’s a deliberate act of defiance against their power. Symbolic Violence - "The Spirit of the Lord" : Some interpretations see this as a sign that the Spirit of God was at work, revealing Jesus' intentions. It wasn't just a random attack; it was a manifestation of divine judgment. Important Context: Jesus’s Position: Jesus was in a vulnerable position – he was about to be arrested and interrogated. This act of violence was a strategic move to disrupt their plans. The High Priest's Goal: The high priest was trying to influence Jesus and prevent him from being executed. This event was designed to create chaos and pressure for Jesus to turn away. In short, Mark 14:47 is a pivotal moment that demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to challenge the religious establishment and his intention to bring about change. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the different interpretations of this passage? Provide more context about the time and place of this event?