When He Had Scourged Him (Mark 15:15)

2022-03-26

...when he had scourged him... (Mark 15:15)

Whatever is mentioned in passing in the Bible is always significant, as is this clause. Jesus was beaten severely, as was foretold in the Old Testament.

First, His bones were exposed because flesh was ripped from His body. “I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me” (Psalms 22:17). It is of supernatural consequence that He lived through this experience.

Second, He was disfigured beyond recognition. “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). He was a frightening sight to behold.

Furthermore, we read, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). His back was beaten, and His beard was torn out.

Why did He do this? “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

The Son did no crime against any man. He laid down His life for humanity on His own accord.