PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 22:63-65
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’” (Luke 22:64)
People can be cruel, as this scene with Jesus reveals.
Verbal taunting and physical tormenting, mockery and shame.
And to think Jesus became human to help us, to save us from our sin.
“Christ Jesus – Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8)
We see into Jesus’ heart when he forgives his tormentors from the cross.
He hated what they were doing, but he loved them enough to endure it.
This is the price that God is willing to pay to fix the mess we’ve made.
Sad to say, I still hear people mocking God and Jesus, like these soldiers.
People challenge God’s love, they question God’s ways – as if ours is any better?
God demonstrates deep love in suffering and dying for us sinners (Romans 5:8).
Do I really understand and appreciate how deep and shocking this love is?
PRAYER
Lord, knowing me and knowing you, I shake my head in wonder that you could love me this much. Though I do not deserve it, I welcome it. Thank you for loving me this much!
Group/crowd mentality – going with the crowd. Mocking the Saviour and He remained silent so that I could live, truly live. Thank You Lord. Help me daily to be a witness of my Saviour sharing the love You had for me with those around me. Help me daily to stand up.
1 Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss:
from vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead,
’til ev’ry foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.
2 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day:
ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.
This story reminds me of being picked on and harassed as a young boy by bullies. What is it about this aspect of human nature – that we like to exercise authority over a weaker person or thing? Like a little child teasing a small animal or insect – or a cat teasing a mouse that it has caught and plays with it. Is it a boost to ego or something? These guards were always being on the end of orders now have command over a victim and they tease and play with the victim – because they can – and especially since the victim was so popular – now a weak play object in their hand. Profiling happens today – and we also may look down on street people – yet they are all image bearers of God. How our attitude has to change!! How I must change too and not belittle or look down on others! Forgive me, Lord for my indiscretion and make me better – to be fully embracing my neighbour! Lord Jesus how you suffered and endured all this for me! Thank you Jesus for accomplishing full redemption for mankind!