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287. Jesus in the Hands of the Jewish Guards

Deuteronomy 25:1-3, Isaiah 50:6-11, Mark 14:65, Luke 22:63-65,
Key Verse: They all condemned Him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at Him; they blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took Him and beat Him.
Mark 14:65

The guards probably took Him and gave Him the thirty-nine lashes, Jesus’ first physical punishment of the night. As we can see from the passage in Deuteronomy, God ordered His people to show some mercy and control when meting out physical punishment. "If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves, but he must not give him more than forty lashes. If he is flogged more than that, your brother will be degraded in your eyes." (Deut. 25:2-3) The Jews played it safe and only gave 39 lashes, just in case there might be an incorrect count. They wouldn't want to break the Law, you see. While this in itself seems cruel enough, it can be seen as merciful when you consider the Romans, who would mistreat Jesus later without such restraint or concern.

Again, however, as we see from Isaiah, things are going as planned. Satan is so predictable. "I offered my back to those who beat Me, my cheeks to those who pulled out My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting. Because the sovereign Lord helps Me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates Me is near." (Isaiah 50:6-8A) Again, Jesus sets His face like a flint. He set His face like a flint when He began His final journey to Jerusalem when nothing could dissuade Him. Now, again, He remains resolute and in control. The world must be saved and this is the way. He may endure hardship now, but He will be vindicated. The world will never understand what Jesus did for them, but through the Holy Spirit, those who believe will be enlightened to know the truth. Just think.  All this was for you and me.

Hymn: "He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions"

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