Matthew 27:27-44 Jesus is Mocked

The soldiers of the governor took Jesus to prepare him for his crucifixion. They stripped him of his clothes and dressed him in scarlet. Gave him a reed for a scepter and thorns for a crown. Over 100 men gathered around for the spectacle. As they knelt down before him, they spit on his face, beat him with the reed, and mocked him saying: "Hail, King of the Jews!" The King of kings suffered insult, injury, and mockery. 

The presence of evil and hatred in the world is a reality we cannot ignore. If Jesus, the Son of God, suffered in the hands of men; if the Creator of the universe was beaten by his creatures; if the Healer of our infirmities was beaten and abused, why am I surprised by the persecution against the children of God around the world? Evil, injustice, and suffering reign in this world. The hope of the kingdom of God is a renewed people in a renewed world under the reign of a just and holy ruler where justice, peace, and love reign forever. That's my hope! I can't wait!

Crucifixion was one of the cruelest means of Roman execution. It is believed that hanging on the cross caused the body to slump making it difficult to breathe. To be able to catch his breath, the prisoner had to push with his feet (nailed) and legs causing great pain. Once again, the body would slump and make breathing difficult until the prisoner died either of asphyxiation, bleeding due to the scourging, or trauma caused by the beatings. Jesus suffered the cruelest of deaths and the most humiliating of executions. The giving of wine with gall (bitter herb) was a mockery upon mockery. He was able to get down, but his love for me kept him there. He took my place and paid the penalty for my sin. Amazing love!

Suffering is a bad word for me. I shrink from it and I don't want to even think about it. But suffering is not without a purpose. If God was able to use one of the cruelest and most humiliating of executions for the greatest work of salvation for all humanity, who am I to shrink back from suffering? This is precisely the way that the kingdom of darkness has been upset - that God takes the most vile and evil acts and turns them into the most redeeming, fruitful, and growing experiences in life. My God works on my behalf in the worst of circumstances!

Lord, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me! Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love all the days of my life.