Reading: Luke 22:63-65
Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him, and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming. [NASB1995®]
Jesus said that it was the hour of those who walk in darkness, and that they were going to act at their leisure. The scene Luke shows us is truly despicable. The priests’ henchmen are encouraged to do now what they did not dare to do before. Let us meditate on the attitude of those who were responsible for these actions.
The soldiers guarding Jesus: How much foolishness and darkness can fit into man’s heart? How far can we go in our rebellion and rejection of God? If God abandoned us to our own evil, we could really fall under. We could reject the Lord in the same way that these men did. They are giving free rein to their wickedness. The further we are from God, the less we know Him, and the more we sink into evil and end up destroying ourselves.
The Lord: The contrast is the attitude of the Lord Jesus. While he receives teasing, slapping, and insults, Christ remains steadfast. There is no hatred, there is no bitterness, there is no evil. Jesus is loving, incredibly loving. Why does He do it? Because it is necessary for Him to suffer what we deserve. Why does He take our place? Because he loves us.
There was a time when I read this scene, and my heart was outraged by the evil of those who humiliate Jesus. But that’s not the important thing. Look at him. Look at his love, poured out overwhelmingly. There is no greater beauty than that, there is no greater love. Behold His suffering, His tenderness, His determination… and may your heart be filled with worship and gratitude in the face of such overwhelming grace.
The wickedness of men is reduced to nothing before the redemptive work of Christ.
MEDITATE: Lord, help us to see and understand all things in light of the cross; help us follow your example; help us to love as you do!
Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Translation By: Emily Stader
