“As many were astonied at thee; his visage (appearance) so marred more than any other man, and his form (body) more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14
The prophecy concerning the appearance of Jesus after the forces of hell had all but beaten him to death.
Remember Jesus had even told the disciples, “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”
That is why it always irks me when people say that he received 39 lashes, because that was what the Jews allowed, they sentenced forty and would “forgive” one as a show of their “mercy.
They were something else and merciful is not the word that comes to mind.
But this was not the Jews, this was all the force of hell coming down on Jesus.
The High Priests had a secret trial and wanted him dead. Does anyone seriously believe that they cared how badly he was beaten?
That is what this scripture is saying, his face battered more than any other man, his body lashed and bloody more than any other men.
I can never do an Easter post without pointing that out.
What they did to Jesus was beyond anything any human had suffered.
For sake of reading time, we’ll highlight the story.
He was arrested and brought before the elders and condemned, they then had to take him before Pilate, who said that he was Herod’s problem, because he did not want anything to do with it because his wife had warned him of her dreams.
Herod’s men then beat and mocked him and placed on him a purple robe and platted a crown of thorns, and these were not tiny little briars, they were actual thorns that pierced into his flesh, spit on him and mocked with false praise as King of the Jews.
Herod then sent him back to Pilate and they become buddies through the torture of Christ.
Neither could find just cause to execute Jesus.
Pilate could release a prisoner as it was Passover and tried three times to release Jesus, but they all cried for his crucifixion, because again, this was the power of darkness at work.
Pilate as evil and cruel as he was, washed his hands concerning the death of Jesus.
We’ll pick it up here:
“And he (Pilate) said unto them the third time, Why, what evil has he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will there chastise (whip) him, and let him go.
And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might (would) be crucified. And the voices of them and of the high priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required (demanded).
And they released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon (grabbed) one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid his cross, that he may bear it after Jesus. (He was so battered that he could no longer carry it)
And there followed after him a great company (group) of people, and of women which also bewailed and lamented him. (crying and wailing with sorrow)
But Jesus turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
For behold, the days are coming, in which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps that never gave suck (nursed a baby)
Then they shall begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us, and to the hills, Cover us.
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall they do in the dry? (If they did this to him when things were well what would they do when terror would come upon earth)
And there were also two other, malefactors (thieves), led with him to be put to death.
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and one on the left.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots (divided up his clothing and gambled for them).
And the people stood, beholding (gawking). And the rulers also with them desired (mocking) him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself; if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar (to drink),
And saying, if thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, if thou be Christ, save thyself, and us.
But the other rebuked him saying, Dost thou (Do you) not fear God, seeing that thou art (you are) in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward (punishment) of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss (wrong).
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou cometh into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over the earth until the ninth hour. (twelve PM until three PM)
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst (torn in half)
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (he died).
Now when the centurion (roman soldier) saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:22-43
If you get a chance read the story also from the other Gospels, there are different details in each one. Can you imagine, to be dying on a cross and still mock God?
The beautiful forgiveness of Jesus shown to the man who came to his defense and asked forgiveness. As long as we have one breath left in us, he will save us, and that is what he died for.
NBJ 2024/ Reverend Nina Brown Johnson
Sword & Lily 