With so many gruesome details involved in a Roman crucifixion, we can become numb to the physical and emotional suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf. While contemplating Mark's text consider this: (1) The soldiers' mockery and beating of Jesus served no purpose. The flogging was public and intended to be a deterrent (whether it worked or not is a separate conversation), as was the crucifixion itself, but the mockery/beating was a relatively private affair, just the soldiers having fun at the expense of someone their society had just labeled an 'other'. This shows us the depth of human depravity, the savageness that is far too often unleashed against the innocent or weak. (2) The crucifixion itself, while showing us humanity at one of our lowest points, shows us God at his highest, revealing love beyond our ability to properly describe its majesty with words.
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
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