John 18 - What Can We Learn from Peter Cutting Off a Man's Ear?

John 18:8-11 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” 10 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.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
This story is told in all four gospels with various details added to each account.  This is the only account where it names Peter as the one who wielded his sword.  In Luke, after Peter cuts off the servant's ear, Jesus touches the man and heals him.  In this chapter in John we also see Peter's denial of Jesus when questioned if he knew him.  As usual Peter is all over the place. Cutting off ears in one instance and hiding by the fire in the next.  But I think we can learn something from Jesus' response to the incident.
Clearly though I am sure Jesus appreciated Peter's loyalty, in this moment he rebukes him and tells him to put back his sword.  In the passage Jesus also says that his kingdom is not of this world. If in fact he needed some help he could call down a legion of angels to deliver himself.  But Jesus' calling was to submit to the authorities not overthrow them.  It was all part of God's plan. but What can WE learn from Jesus' example.  
Peter wanted to bring in the kingdom by force and Jesus says to Peter, "There is another way."  Using force to bring in Christianity has rarely if ever worked well in the history of the church.  Why? Because it is relying on human means not divine power.  This was one of the reasons Luther did not fight the authorities during the Reformation.  Some of his more zealous followers wanted to start wars against the Romans, but Luther left it to God to justify the cause of the Reformation. 
Where do you need to submit to God's kingdom rather than usurping God's power by your own means?  Meaning where do you need to trust God and allow God's kingdom to come in his timing?  For Jesus this meant allowing the Jews and the Romans to bring him to the cross.  He could have stopped it at anytime, but allowed God to show his power in his time and brought about the salvation of the world through it. We are called to do the same and allow God to justify our cause.  

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