The Flogging

Matthew 27 continues the story of the events leading up to Jesus’ death…

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”… Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

To be flogged is to be beaten with a whip or stick in order to torture.

Pilate asked the crowd who they wanted released to them, and although Jesus had been guilty of no sin, they wanted him crucified.  He was accused of blasphemy because he agreed that he was the son of God.

It would seem from this story that Jesus fell into the hands of an evil crowd, and they were allowed to hurt Jesus over and over again.   We’ve seen movies that depict this scene of Jesus being beaten, whipped, and scourged until his flesh is torn and blood runs down his back.  It’s a horrible scene to watch.

I know there are many children who grow up to be adults, with memories of being beaten and whipped by abusers.  Or perhaps they were beaten down with words of accusation and shame, which left them with the lowest of the low in self-esteem. And all of that suffering many have experienced was for no good reason at all, except they were young and vulnerable and a target for evil.

Jesus knows our pain, even the worst kind of pain imaginable.  He knows what it’s like to be accused, beaten, thrown to those who wanted to kill him…and he experienced it all…so you and I can live.

Jesus came to bring us out of evil into the light.  His intent was never for you to be beaten or abused.  That happened because of sin. 

You want someone to understand your pain?  Jesus does.

 

Pray to him and ask him…and he will comfort and heal.