Jesus Christ was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane by a mob with swords and clubs from the chief priests and elders of the people led by Judas. They treated Jesus as a robber, Matthew 26:47-57. Jesus was eventually nailed to the cross to his death, Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; Luke 23:33; John 19:17. It was in fulfillment of prophecy, Matthew 17:22-23; 20:18-19.
Jesus knew he would be killed, Luke 9:22. He therefore warned against the person by whom he would be betrayed and killed, Matthew 18:7; 26:24; Mark 14:21; Luke 22:22. These heinous events inflicted undeniable indelible wounds on Jesus which have great significance for Christianity.
Jesus’ scourging wounds
When Jesus was arrested, he was severely bruised. They spat in his face, struck him and some slapped him, Matthew 26:67; 27:30; Mark 14:65; 15:19. They whipped or scourged him, Matthew 27:26; Mark 10:34; 15:15; John 19:1. They tore his clothes with harsh treatment, Mark 15:17, 20. Jesus was subjected to extreme pain, injuries and loss of blood.
Jesus did not complain but rather lived his word and teachings in Matthew 5:39. Do we complain when we have to sacrifice or suffer for others? Jesus had authority to revenge but chose not, Matthew 26: 53. Are we vengeful? He showed love to his enemies, Luke 6:27. He prayed for them on the cross, Luke 23:34. He knew his mission and was committed to fulfill it. He was fit for the purpose and did not look back, Luke 9:62. We must pray for our enemies. We must not be vengeful. We must know our mission and be ready for it. Are we fit for the task? Isaiah 53: 7 says he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. Are we ready to be suffering servants just as Jesus is a suffering messiah?
Like a lamb led for slaughter, Jesus was also silent to these atrocities, Jeremiah 11:19; Isaiah 53:7. The soldiers pierced his side, John 19:34, 37. Jesus’ body wounds also represent our many and diverse transgressions and iniquities. They were laid on Jesus alone as the suffering messiah. Romans 5:19 says for as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be mad righteous. They spat in Jesus’ face to humiliate him. Jesus took over our shame and humiliation however nauseating it appeared. Jesus was struck and slapped but Jesus did not return vengeance. Jesus knew that vengeance is the Lords, Deuteronomy 32:35, 41. In the business of Christ Jesus we would face forms of assault, violence or provocation. Are we ready?
Jesus demonstrated that we can overcome pain and suffering. Ecclesiastes 11:10 says remove vexation from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. 1 Peter 2:19 says for one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. Jesus says we must forgive seventy times seven, Matthew 18:22. This is how God wants us to handle pain and injury no matter the form or nature. Jesus says we must go and do likewise, Luke 10:37. Are we ready to heed to the master’s voice?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you showed endurance in times of adversity. Grant us your grace to do likewise for your name sake. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
