This striking relief
captures the sense of disorder and confusion of the event, but in
contrast with the calm central figure of Jesus, who with his
left hand heals the ear that Peter's sword has just struck off the
servant in the foreground (see detail
of hand on ear). Peter
can be recognized by squarish beard and balding head (see the iconography of St. Peter). John's gospel
identifies him as the one who cut the ear and gives the servant's name,
Malchus (John
18:10-11). Only Luke (22:49-51)
tells of Jesus' healing the ear. Matthew (26:51-54)
and Mark (14:47)
both have the episode but omit the names and the healing.
In Matthew and John
Jesus rebukes the disciple with the sword on the basis that Jesus' time
has come ("How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled?"). This emphasis
may explain the Amiens sculptor's decision to place the calm curing of
the unfortunate servant in the midst of this frenzied scene.
More of the Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus