SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

“As many were astonied at thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, And his form more than the sons of men:” (Isa. 52:14)

Jesus took a brutal beating so much so that Isaiah peers through the telescope of prophecy and exclaims that “His visage” (appearance) “was so marred” (disfigured) “more than any man.” Indeed, the Bible records that they scourged Jesus before the cross (cf. John 19:1).

Scourging was called the “little death” and consisted of Roman soldiers taking a short-handled whip (flagellum) with leather straps affixed with sharp bits of bone and metal and beating the victim within inches of their life. This was an implement of carnage resulting in the tearing of the flesh and exposing vital organs. Sometimes the person did not survive the beating. They plowed upon the Savior and made their furrows long (Psalm 129:3) of which He did not turn away (Isa. 50:6). Even His bones were exposed (Psalm 22:17).

Christ took the beating of all beatings for you and for me! Let us suffer for Him such that God is glorified (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21-25, 4:12-19).

Trent Thrasher