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.
Comments
Post a Comment