Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.
He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.The author Lee Strobel has written a book titled God’s
Outrageous Claims. In it he writes these words: "Jesus was tied to a post
and beaten at least thirty-nine times – and probably more – with a whip that
had jagged bones and balls of lead woven into it. Again
and again the whip was brought down with full force on his bare shoulders,
back, and legs … At first the heavy thongs cut through skin only. Then, as the
blows continued, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first
and oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins
of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the
underlying muscles. The small balls of lead first produce large, deep bruises
which are broken open by subsequent blows. Finally, the skin of the back is
hanging in long ribbons, and the entire area is an unrecognizable mass of torn,
bleeding tissue. One witness to a Roman flogging gave this description:
"The sufferer’s veins were laid bare, and the very muscles and tendons and
bowels of the victim were open to exposure."
Even this torture was not punishment enough to pacify the
madness of the crowds on the day of crucifixion. Urged on by the priests and
Pharisees, the people were in a fever of hatred toward Jesus. So much so that
they would rather see a rebel and murderer go free than Jesus.
Of course, the people did not know that this was the plan all
along. Jesus had to suffer all the pain and indignity of this harsh punishment
so their sins, and ours, would be absolved. Without this we would never have
any hope of forgiveness, we would die in our sins without the assurance of
everlasting life that Jesus paid for with His blood.
We are all sinners and anyone who claims not to be is deluded.
Jesus died for sinners, only for sinners! I do not know what others think but
for me may I say that every breath I take is that of a sinner and I thank God
every day for Jesus and His sacrifice for my sake.
This is the day of crucifixion, but Sunday morning is in sight
when we can celebrate the freedom and forgiveness Jesus paid for today. Sunday
when Jesus rose from the tomb and brought us justification through faith in
Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer. We come to the cross today
and lay our souls in the blood which flows from your wounds, the wounds that
You endured for our sakes. We know in our hearts that without You we can never
be free and forgiven of our sins. Let this knowledge be imprinted on our hearts
until You come again to free us completely into the presence of our Father in
heaven forever. We ask this in Your own blessed name, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment