Sufferings of Jesus for Us

N.T.#303 "Sufferings of Jesus for Us"

May 13, 2024 

Matthew 27-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

So far in the previous scene, we had Jesus the innocent captive, Pilate playing the role of the judge, Barabbas the notorious prisoner, and the wife of Pilate, who knew Jesus was innocent.

Pilate tried to get Jesus set free, but the Jewish leaders would not have it. They so envied Him that they were eaten up with envy. Jesus had many followers, performed miracles, showed compassion, and corrected them time and again. However, they never got the better of Him-Jesus always topped them in debates. So Barabbas was let go, freed, because Jesus took his place on the cross. 

A span of about 24 hours from the Passover meal to the Crucifixion occurred in 2 lengthy chapters of 26-27. Matthew portrays Jesus as the rightful but rejected King, Israel's long-awaited but cruelly scorned Messiah. The events at the end of Jesus' life involved grim details. (Swindoll)

Jesus' sufferings were intense. What gruesome things happened next to our Savior?

• Pilate had Jesus scouraged (to whip; lash as a public punishment). (verse 26) Pilate hoped the Jews would accept this rather than execution. (Luke 23:16) The scourge was made of thongs to which were attached sharp pieces of metal and bone. The prisoners were beaten across the back, having flesh and sometimes the organs torn. Many died from this cruel punishment. (Falwell)
•  Then Pilate had Jesus delivered to be crucified. He officially turned Jesus over to his soldiers for execution.  (verse 26)
• The band of soldiers (200-600) took Jesus to the open courtyard mocked and abused Jesus asa pretend king as they platted (to twine or braid) a crown of thorns on Jesus' head, resulting in blood flowing down His face. 
• They stripped Jesus of His blood-soaked robe with a reddish-purple robe mocking sign of His royalty. (verse 28)
• They placed a reed (long like a broom handle) in Jesus' right hand, as mocking a scepter held by a king. 
• The soldiers bowed the knee before Jesus, mockingly saying "Hail, King of the Jews!" (verse 29)
• They spit upon Jesus, the Messiah, then smote (repeated blows) on the head. (verse 30) What  exaggerated gestures of worship and honor for the Son of God.
• After the soldiers had their fun with the condemned but innocent victim, they removed the robe and returned His garments. (verse 31) this would have caused more of Jesus' blood to flow, opening wounds on His back. Little did these guys know that one day they would bow before theKing Jesus Christ and declare Him as Lord. (Phil. 2:10-11)

Jesus did not deserve any of this cruelty. Yet He endured it for you and me. What love!

LET IT GROW 

What mockery, suffering brutality, shedding of blood from wounds incurred, and rejection by His own people! Jesus went through all of this, taking our place for payment of our sins as our Sacrificial Lamb to take away our sins. Forgive us Jesus, please. 

Folks, we have a Savior who has experienced our pain and suffering and more. 

What have we endured compared to what Jesus went through?

LET IT GO 

Oh what a Savior! 

Isn't He wonderful! 

Praise to our King Jesus!