oved physician,"
mentions this "unique miracle of surgery." The incident has its message
for disciples in all ages. Violence and cruelty in the defense of the
cause of Christ misrepresent him to the world. The act of Peter gave
countenance to charges which would be preferred against Jesus, and further
resistance would have compromised the position of his Lord. However well
intended, such rash defenses weaken the cause they are designed to
promote.

Jesus turned to rebuke his enemies and resented the fact that they had
come against him as against a robber with swords and clubs. He reminded
them that daily he had taught in public. Their coming with violence, in
secrecy; and under the cover of night, was a proof that the arrest was
false and that it could not be justified. There had been abundant
opportunities during many days to seize him in public when he was
unprotected. Their present course bore its own condemnation; but he added
mournfully, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness." In the mystery
of his providence God was allowing this iniquity. He was giving this
temporary authority to the forces of evil. It was to be a brief hour, but
those who willingly put it to such a use would incur eternal condemnation.
Nothing is more solemn than the possibility of using for evil ends the
liberty allotted us of God.

E. Peter's Denial. Ch. 22:54-62

54 And they seized him, and led him _away_, and brought him into
the high priest's house. But Peter followed afar off. 55 And when
they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat
down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. 56 And a certain
maid seeing him as he sat in the light _of the fire_, and looking
stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. 57 But he
denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while
another saw him, and said, Thou also art _one_ of them. But Peter
said, Man, I am not. 59 And after the space of about one hour
another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was
with him; for he is a Galilaean. 60 But Peter said, Man, I know not
what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock
crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter
remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before
the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And he went
out, and wept bitterly.

Peter real