Why Flogging
The Lord was “Flogged.” Matthew 27:26 says, “…he [Pilate] had Jesus flogged.”
Among the Romans it was customary to scourge or whip a slave before he was crucified. This was done to inflict greater suffering and cause a quicker death while adding horrors to the punishment.
Our Lord was put to death after the manner of a slave or a criminal, therefore He was treated as a slave and a criminal. This is because sin puts mankind into bondage and causes him to become a criminal. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) He took upon Himself the sins of the world. Sin is in the heart of every criminal.
The prophet Isaiah catches the reality of what Jesus was to look like when He would be scourged for our sins and he writes, “Just as there were many who were appalled at Him – His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human likeness.” (Isaiah 52:14)
When we hear of the results of sin on the news today or when sin has brought a tragedy into the lives of family members, people are struck with numbness and they are put to silence from sudden astonishment. We were shocked with the news of a pastor’s wife shooting her husband and of a child killer serving regularly in his local church. While attending horse shoeing college, I listen to a retired homicide detective share how it never gets easy walking in on a homicide scene. Every time it makes you want to cover your eyes, turn and look the other way, for you just can’t stand to look on the sight of such a horrific scene. The sight of a loved one suffering the long term effects of addiction, a life without Christ and heading for hell is a horrific sight.
Jesus’ appearance had to be horrible for He was taking on the grief and physical abuse of every sin committed before that first Easter, sins committed since Calvary and sins that will be committed until we get the New Heaven and Earth.
The Bible says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Our sin has crushed the hearts of many, thus Christ was flogged and through the Holy Spirit was brought to life. You can have this Holy Spirit of Christ living in you!
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