Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to be tortured so mercilessly before dying to forgive our sins? I have. Today I got a glimpse into this.
An arrogance prevalent among religious people states they are not as bad as some others. Consider the story Jesus told (Luke 18:9-14) of the Pharisee (a religious layperson) and a tax collector (a bureaucrat working for the enemy) going to prayer at the same time and place.
“The Pharisee stood up and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people!…’ “(Luke 18:11a God’s Word©).
Our sinfulness, arrogance, rebellion, deception and self-delusion, among other behaviours, mean everyone, even the religious, need spiritual washing (Romans 3:23). As gut-wrenching as it is for the humble, Jesus had to be treated that way by the religious people and government in hopes of driving home how contemptible our crimes stand and that God’s plan is to love us to heaven. No one stands guiltless, or even less guilty, than anyone else. A sanitized death would only feed religion’s obsession with appearance, order, comparative guilt and bigotry.
As painful and unhuman as it is, I have to admit I am capable of grotesque actions that brutalize the innocent. A single word, a leer, a mere “humph” cuts another deeply. I am guilty.
I ask Jesus to discipline me, and Paraclete to counsel me, to overcome that so-easy-to-fall-into human condition.
I am so sorry Jesus, that you had to suffer so extremely to show that I am no better than anyone else and capable of demeaning behaviour, and as such with a great need for Divine compassion lest I get what I deserve instead of what your kindness gives.
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13d God’s Word©).
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This Lent I am being led on a pilgrimage. I do not yet know if it is from persecution or to suffering or through both. Nevertheless the journey has begun.
8 responses to “Why Was Jesus Tortured?”
nopew
April 5th, 2014 at 14:41
In Isaiah we read the Servant Messiah will not strike us for facial beauty, but will radiate beauty in the acts of love and sacrifice – by his whipping scars we are healed.
Peace
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GraceandTruth
April 5th, 2014 at 04:19
Beautiful
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nopew
April 3rd, 2014 at 16:29
Thanks!
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msinop1
April 3rd, 2014 at 11:55
😉 Happy gardening!
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nopew
April 2nd, 2014 at 16:38
Yes, I share your response to this insight. God’s kindness is such a wonder! And thank you, all is well. Winter has finally broken (I think) in Ontario so now the garden work begins. Like faith work, it never ends!
Peace
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nopew
April 2nd, 2014 at 16:34
Thanks for your comment. Indeed wonderful that Jesus paid it all!
Peace
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msinop1
April 2nd, 2014 at 10:45
This brought me to tears. What a truth, we lose sight of everyday at one moment or another. It’s a constant fight against the enemy, that lures us into such arrogant thoughts about ourselves. Thank you for this honest blog. We need to be checking ourselves everyday in everything. Only by the grace of God! Bless you friend, hope you are well. Marty
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Planting Potatoes
April 2nd, 2014 at 10:31
good read! If Jesus had to not merely die, but suffer as much as he did….then who are we, being much less than him, to think we deserve any less? Praise God only requires what Jesus suffered a payment for our sins! I join you in declaring that I am a sinner! Blessings to you
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