Christian Reflection and Prayer

"Bearing the Punishment We Deserve"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion 2016

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were
mocking Him as they beat Him. They also blindfolded Him
and kept asking Him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck
You?" And they said many other things against Him,
blaspheming Him (Luke 22:63-65).

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.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)