Read Luke 22:63-65.
For months the Jewish authorities have held a deepening grudge against Jesus. Now they unleash their pent up frustration and hatred. Luke the physician tells us their blows bruised and tore Jesus’ skin. Matthew and Mark add that they struck Jesus with their fists and spat in His face. All the Gospels point out that this abuse-both physical and verbal-went on and on. These were the dignified, high officials of Judah lashing out against a bound man.
But the abuse takes on a mocking tone which we will see repeated many times this day. They blindfold Jesus and take turns striking Him, asking the Prophet which of them had struck Him. They condemn Jesus for blasphemy because He claimed to be God’s Son, but they are unaware they are the guilty ones, blaspheming the Son of God who stands meekly before them.
Jesus knows full well who is hitting Him, yet He remains silent. He is suffering exactly what each of them-and each of us deserves to suffer for our disobedience to God and our mistreatment of one another. Yet Jesus patiently bears it all in our place. He does not retaliate or curse; instead, He remains silent. We wonder what He is thinking. He’ll show us shortly when He cries out from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34b).
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You endured the abuse and mistreatment I deserve. Forgive my sins against You, and give me patience when I suffer wrongly for Your sake. Amen.