BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: SCRIPTURE INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE


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The Darkness: Its Origin, Power, Presence, & Meaning

5/2/2023

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Article #18 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

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Did a Solar Eclipse Occur at Calvary? 

“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” – Luke 23:44-45
Physically speaking, was this a solar eclipse? No. Naturally occurring solar eclipses are only possible during a new moon, and the beginning of the Passover Feast on the 14th of Nisan / Abib commenced during a full moon. Was it a darkness that could be physically seen? Yes. Biblically, a darkness settled upon “the whole land” of the city of Jerusalem, and likely that of the Kingdom of Judah; however, reportedly, it is possible that it reached even as far as the land of Egypt! 
“This darkness was a preternatural eclipse of the sun; for it was at the time when the moon was in the full, as appears from its being at the time of the passover; which was on the fourteenth day of the month Nisan, the Jews beginning their months from the new moon: and moreover, it was over all the land, or earth, as the word may be rendered; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "the whole world was dark"; at least it reached to the whole Roman empire, or the greatest part of it; though some think only the land of Judea, or Palestine, is intended: but it is evident, that it is taken notice of, and recorded by Heathen historians and chronologers, as by Phlegon, and others, referred to by Eusebius (d). The Roman archives are appealed unto for the truth of it by Tertullian (e); and it is asserted by Suidas, that Dionysius the Areopagite, then an Heathen, saw it in Egypt; and said, "either the divine being suffers, or suffers with him that suffers, or the frame of the world is dissolving.” – John Gill

“Dionysius, the Areopagite, was an Athenian by birth, and educated in all the useful and ornamental literature of Greece. He then travelled to Egypt to study astronomy, and made very particular observations on the great and supernatural eclipse, which happened at the time of our Saviour's crucifixion.” – John Foxe 
What shall we say then about the supernatural origin of this physical phenomena? Can we be certain that this darkness was astronomical? No. There is more than one way than for “the sun” to be “darkened” (Lk. 23:45). A thick blanket of dark clouds can shut out the light of the sun, thus making it dark in the daytime (Ezek. 30:3, 34:12; Joel 2:2, 10; Zeph. 1:15). Should we blindly trust the testimony of the astronomer named Dionysius? No (see Appendix #1). Can we be certain about why the darkness happened? Yes.

However, some try to explain why it happened by following the interpretation of the heathen astronomer from Egypt, who reportedly spoke of what he deemed to be an unexplainable disorder in heaven. In the worst case scenario, Dionysius was proposing the possibility that “the frame of the world is dissolving”, or that it was hereby permanently and irreparably being destroyed. In the best case scenario, Dionysius was proposing the possibility that heaven was temporarily in disorder because “the divine being suffers, or suffers with him that suffers”, implying that once the suffering comes to an end then the celestial and astronomical things will come back into order. Sadly, the famed puritan commentator, Matthew Henry, proceeded to argue that the sun withdrew in confusion and disorder because it was unable to look on the awful scene manifest at the Cross. 
“The indignities done to our Lord Jesus, made the heavens astonished, and horribly afraid, and even put them into disorder and confusion; such wickedness as this the sun never saw before, and therefore withdrew, and would not see this.” – Matthew Henry 
Even though this interpretation may seem plausible, it is thoroughly unbiblical. “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?” (Job 38:33). The disorder of the sun, moon, and stars is inconsistent with the sovereignty of our Creator (Ps. 147:4-5, 148:1-6). The confusion of the astronomical lights that rule the Day and Night calls into question the supreme rulership of God in Heaven (Gen. 1:14-19, Ps. 136:9). For, the confusion of the former would implicate the confusion of the latter. 
“Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by Day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by Night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of Hosts is His Name: If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me for ever.” – Jer. 31:35-36
We can be absolutely certain that the darkness in question did not originate from astronomical disorder or confusion. Every detail of the crucifixion scene was sovereignly determined by God like every color and hue on the canvas in a work of art (Acts 2:23). All men are beckoned to look at the Cross because it is a masterpiece of our Creator! In reality, Dionysius was confused about what was happening. It would seem entirely plausible to nearsighted mortals that the death of the Son of God would occasion confusion and disorder in the heavens. Nevertheless, our Creator is perfectly capable of governing creation and maintaining its order, even while hanging on a Cross. It goes without saying that the other Persons of the Trinity were capable of the same. 
“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express Image of His Person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” - Heb 1:3 
Things proceed from bad to worse when it comes to misinterpreting the Bible. One bad interpretation leads to another one that’s even worse. Leave it to a heathen astronomer to cast a shadow of confusion upon the crucifixion scene! Nevertheless, with things proceeding from bad to worse, some would go so far as to suggest that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was confused about what was happening at the Cross, and for this reason He exclaimed, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46, Mk. 15:34)! One would think that spending so much time looking at the stars would have humiliated Dionysius before the LORD (Job 22:12, 35:5, Isa. 55:8-9). Coincidentally, at the time of visitation, the poor man was in Egypt (Ps. 8:3-4; Lk. 19:41-44). 
“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” - Psalm 8:3-4

“And when He was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” - Luke 19:41-44
Apparently, according to Psalm 8:3-4, Dionysius was missing the message of Heaven written in the stars! Sadly, the man was in Egypt at the time of visitation. However, according to Matthew 2:1-12, not so much could be said about the Magi from the East! They correctly read the message of God in the stars. Having discerned the time of visitation, they were directed by a star right to the child. Bringing gifts, they bowed down and worshipped the King in a marvelous fulfillment of Psalm 8:3-4 (Matt. 2:1-12). 

Physical Signs & Spiritual Realities

Momentous occasions of divine significance in human history are often marked with physical and visible signs. Mankind is hereby beckoned to take a closer look at these signs to discern the spiritual meaning behind them.

In living and in dying, the earth and skies bore witness to the coming and going of Emmanuel (Isa. 7:14). At birth, the darkness of that holy night was illuminated with the splendor of a heavenly light, even “the glory of the Lord”, as it was cast upon the shepherds of the field and shining round about them (Lk. 2:9). At once, there appeared “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God”, and they could be heard audibly exclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:13-14). This was a loud announcement of divine love, goodness, and blessing coming upon all mankind! Even the stars of space were conveying a message to men – one star in particular even stood over the child’s exact location (Matt. 2:1-12).

The child’s growth into adolescence and maturity was no less spectacular (Lk. 2:40-52). A great Light had dawned upon this world, and at the onset of the ministry of Jesus Christ at the age of thirty years old, the Light of the world rose to prominence with inescapable brightness (Matt. 4:16, Lk. 2:32; Jn. 1:4-9, 3:19-21; Isa. 42:6-7, 49:6). “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9). Nevertheless, at death, in the closing scenes of the theater of the Atonement, just the opposite was foretold to come. 
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life.” - John 8:12 (Jn. 12:35-36, 46)
The visit of this Dayspring would soon come to an end (Lk. 1:78-79). It was only a matter of time for Day to turn into Night. In no uncertain terms, our Lord said, “Yet a little while is the Light with you.” (Jn. 12:35), and by this He meant, “…the Night cometh” (Jn. 9:4). 
“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is Day: the Night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” – John 9:4-5
Literally, as the time was rapidly approaching when the Son of God would no longer be “in the world” (Jn. 9:5), because in death He would soon depart from this world, Jesus also spoke of the coming of “the Prince of this world” and “the power of darkness” (Jn. 14:30, Lk. 22:53). It is not at all unusual for the darkness of Night to be seen approaching on the horizon of earth as Day turns into Night. However, if Christ is the Light of the world, then the displacement of the Sun from its lofty abode in the vault of heaven has grave implications for the inhabitants of earth (Num. 24:17, Mal. 4:2, Rev. 22:16). 
“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the Prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” - John 14:30

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to Him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against Me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” - Luke 22:52-53
As the Prince of this world, Satan had always played a decisive role in the great conflict between sinners and God (Gen. 3:1-7; Eph. 6:12). How much more on this woeful night of treachery and betrayal, when our Lord was arrested, tried, and condemned in the middle of the night (Jn. 8:44; Lk. 22:3, Jn. 13:2, 27-30)? Then things proceeded from bad to worse on the morrow! Crucifying the Lord of Glory was a crime so dark that it outweighed the combined guilt of every murder of righteous men and prophets since the world began (Lk. 11:49-51). 
“…It shall be required of this generation.” – Lk. 11:51

“Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” – Matt. 12:45
This generation was in trouble. They had spiritually degenerated into ferocious “bulls”, “lions”, & “dogs”, and they surrounded the Prince of the Prophets on the hill of Golgotha (Ps. 22:11-21; Matt. 7:6). In a hideous display of human depravity, the people were growling, barking, and roaring out their hatred for the Son of God. The presence of darkness was so thick that it could be said, without exaggeration, that “every foul spirit” of hell was present on that woeful hill (Rev. 18:3, Matt. 12:45)! Even so, physically speaking, an otherworldly darkness was cast upon the spectacle of ages. 
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” – Matt. 27:45

“And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” - Mark 15:33

“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.” - Luke 23:44
The good Shepherd saw what was coming a long way off. The wolves could not sneak up on the Son of God. Dark plans and evil powers by sinning men and angels could not lure, trick, catch, or surprise Jesus Christ. Whatever happened was foreseen, expected, and entirely understood by the Lord. Indeed, it is outrageous to suppose that the Lord of Glory succumbed to confusion at the Cross! It is blasphemy. 
“I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” - John 10:11-18
Instead of running away, Christ selflessly acted to protect and secure the sheep from danger. Courageously, upon being completely enclosed in darkness, the noble Shepherd gave up His life to the wolves (Jn. 10:11-18). The epic battle between Mankind and the Serpent must come to an end somehow, even if the Son of Man would be badly hurt in the process (Gen. 3:15). 
“And the LORD God said unto the Serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” – Gen. 3:14-15 (Isa. 7:14, 9:6-7; Matt. 1:1-2:23; Lk. 1:1-2:38) 
The conflict between Satan and the Son of God was real. Nevertheless, this dark Day cannot be called the Day of the Devil. No! “This is the Day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). It is the Day of the LORD! Even so, on this dark Day, let us hear the Spirit of Prophecy declare, “God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.” (Ps. 118:21-27). The Devil wasn’t victorious in the battle (Heb. 2:9-10, 14-15). In suffering an earthly defeat of physical death at the Cross, Jesus Christ got the victory! The bruising of the Son of God makes everything better for sinners. How do you defeat a snake? Crush its head under your heel. No marvel if the heel is bruised in the process. 
“Comparatively speaking, to put His foot on the Old Serpent was an easy task for Christ and did but cost Him a bruised heel. But this Gethsemane agony wounded His very soul even unto death. What is it then, do you think, that so peculiarly marks Gethsemane and the griefs thereof? We believe that, then, the Father put Him to grief for us. It was then that our Lord had to take a certain cup from the Father’s hand. Not from the Jews, not from the traitor, Judas. Not from the sleeping disciples, nor from the devil came the trial, then – it was a cup filled by One whom He knew to be His Father, but Who, nevertheless, He understood to have appointed Him a very bitter potion, a cup not to be drunk by His body and to spend its gall upon His flesh, but a cup which specially amazed His soul and troubled His inmost heart.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Agony in Gethsemane
From Gethsemane to Calvary, the archnemesis of mankind was haunting every scene. The belligerence and blasphemy of an angry Devil was manifest all throughout – especially, in the final 3 hours of darkness at the Cross as the climax of it all! Nevertheless, Satan was peripheral in the Passion of Christ. The Devil’s fury was of little concern to the Eternal Spirit of the Son of God. Someone else deserves credit for the darkness. 
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” – Isa. 45:7

“By His Spirit He hath garnished the Heavens; His hand hath formed the crooked Serpent.” - Job 26:13

“He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is Night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.” - Psalm 104:19-22

“Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?” - Amos 3:6

“The LORD hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the Day of evil.” - Prov 16:4

“Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.” - Psalm 35:5-6
The darkness is never void of dangerous creatures (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6). There are devils lurking in the presence of darkness using it as a covert. Nevertheless, no matter how furious the swarm of hellish creatures are, they are unwillingly subordinate to the command of Divine Majesty (Isa. 7:18, 46:11; “…it was commanded” – Rev. 9:1-4; Jas. 2:19). Therefore, the presence and power of darkness came to be known as a notorious divine punishment in Biblical History (Jer. 13:16, 23:12, Lam. 3:2). Egypt had her day of physical darkness, and one of angelic destruction (Ex. 10:21-23; Ex. 12:23). Babylon will have her day of physical darkness, and one of angelic destruction (Rev. 16:10-11; Rev. 9:1-12, 16:13-14, 18:2). Literally, the darkness in both cases are expressions of divine wrath.

Contrastingly, physical sunlight is an expression of divine love (Matt. 5:44-45). However, according to the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:44-45, the curse of darkness upon sinners rarely comes in the form of physical darkness. Evidently, the blessing of physical light is almost universally shown to sinners all throughout time, except in unique circumstances of divine judgment: something like the judgment of God upon Egypt through Babylon (Ezek. 32:7-8). 
“And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.” – Ezek. 32:7-8 (see Ezek. 30:18-19)
In prophetic terminology, this is what happens when the armies of Babylon physically invade and conquer Egypt. The physical components of this are obvious. In the death and destruction of war, there is fire; and as a result of the burning fire, there is smoke. Sometimes even whole cities are burned! Then a smokey canopy of dark clouds forms in the sky to blot out the light of the sun, moon, and stars. This is a Day of Darkness: literally, a darkness in the daytime! The very same prophetic description was used by God to describe the coming judgment of God upon Israel and Judah through Assyria and Babylon. 
“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the Day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A Day of Darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:” - Joel 2:1-2, 10 (see Joel 2:1-11)

“And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.” – Isa. 5:30 (see Isa. 5:26-30)

“That Day is a Day of Wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a Day of Darkness and gloominess, a Day of Clouds and thick darkness,” – Zep. 1:15
Obviously, the Day of Darkness was the doom of the people. Its presence alone should have been feared! For, there are always evil powers hiding in its curtains! Therefore, the prophets were moved by God to declare these hidden things to the people: in looking into the darkness, they saw an Army of Devils in its covert (Joel 2:1-11, Isa. 5:26-30, Rev. 9:1-19; Hab. 3:16; Joel 1:4, 2:25)! These angelic beings are also known as “the Rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph. 6:12). Of course, Lucifer was there too, as the celestial King of Babylon, and he was visibly commanding the Host of Hell (Isa. 14:4, 12)! However, the LORD spoke of this very same King, calling him, “My Servant” (Jer. 25:9, 27:6, 43:10), showing everyone who was really in control. Can you believe it? 
“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.” – Hab. 1:5-6
Divine sovereignty wields both men and angels to accomplish justice all throughout biblical Church History. In other words, where Satan was present and at work, divine wrath was at work. This is God’s jealousy actively controlling Babylon’s fury (Ezek. 23:23-25), even as the Sword of the LORD was being wielded in the battle (Ezek. 21:3-7, 30:24-25, Jer. 21:4-10, 48:10). Can you believe it (Hab. 1:5-6)? Maybe not. Perhaps you too have been confounded by the darkness.

First, a deluding power of spiritual darkness maneuvered the condemned peoples into a conflict with divine wrath through Babylon (Amos 5:18-20, 8:9, Micah 3:6-7, Isa. 59:9-10), and then a physical darkness was manifest in the onslaught of destruction through war. 
God's Judgment of the Jews through Babylon: It is a "DAY OF DARKNESS" (Joel 2:2)! It is when the earth and heavens tremble and turn dark before, amidst, and about the celestial and terrestrial armies of Babylon the Great (Joel 2:10). For, the rise of Babylon by war and conquest will result in blood, fire, and pillars of smoke as a third of mankind dies in the onslaught (Joel 2:30-31). In reflection upon these wonders, Zephaniah says, "That Day is... a Day of wasteness and desolation, a DAY OF DARKNESS and gloominess, a DAY OF CLOUDS and THICK DARKNESS" (Zeph. 1:15)! Even so, the loud shouts of angelic voices bear witness to the woefulness of this dreadful Day (Rev. 8:13)! God, the Creator, would have men gaze upward and behold the astonishment of the heavens - that men would depart from earthly passions and become horribly afraid (Jer. 2:12-13)! Look, and see: the whelming clouds of smoke! In horror, behold: the ghostly creatures proceeding from the thick darkness! Wonder, and regard: a haunted earth with an open Hell! [Jer. 4:19-29; Joel 2:2, 10, 30-31; Zeph. 1:14-18; Isa. 13:1-11, 59:9-10; Rev. 8:12, 9:1-19]
This is a horrifying darkness. Nevertheless, this darkness is a shade of gray compared to the pitch-black scenery of hellfire! Remember, hell is a place in the afterlife that is repeatedly called “outer darkness” in the New Testament (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 25:30). This means that the clouds of darkness in time are thin and bright compared to the “outer darkness” of eternal damnation! However, not so much could be said about the darkness on the hill of Golgotha from noon to 3 p.m. on the 15th of Nisan. Yet another form of darkness was present there that was even worse than the others. Do you agree?

There are in fact three forms of darkness to be reckoned up here. Each one deserves our sober consideration, as there are distinct powers at work in all three forms of darkness: (#1) in time, (#2) in eternity, and (#3) at the Cross. 
  1. ​In the first form of darkness that is manifest in time, the Devil is on-the-loose and dealing out demonic fury in a killing rampage that is mitigated and temporary.​
  2. In the second form of darkness that is manifest in eternity, instead of tormenting others, the Devil is imprisoned and suffering unimaginable torment under the divine fury of Almighty God in a place that was created for his everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:41, 2 Pet. 2:4; Lk. 8:31; Rev. 20:1-3, 7).
  3. In the third form of darkness, at the Cross, the Son of God was suffering a thousand hells all at once! The impossible was then feasible through the sinless and spotless Lamb of God, who came into the world to absorb the full volume of God’s eternal wrath due to sinners in just a few short hours. 
The divine wrath that powers hell was spawned, amassed, and concentrated on one Man. The torment the Son of God suffered under the sword of divine justice is literally unimaginable and incomprehensible. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: Satan is peripheral to the Passion of Jesus Christ (Matt. 26:31, Zech. 13:7, Isa. 53:5, 10)! Not even the Devil is a capable vehicle to deliver the divine wrath of a thousand hells upon the Son of God! Why? Hell punishes Satan. The fallen Cherub is tormented there alongside everyone else. This is why demons don’t want to go there (Lk. 8:31).

Mark the beginning and end of this darkness at the Cross of Christ! As the Son of God began to suffer a maximum degree of divine wrath for condemned sinners in being nailed to the Cross at 12 noon, it was then that a thunderous darkness formed overhead; and, as soon as the suffering of our Lord ended in death at 3 p.m., and hereby the atonement for sin was “finished” (Jn. 19:30), it was then that the thick darkness immediately dissipated into a clear Day of sunshine once again.

This remarkable sign (among others) was so compelling that upon seeing it many eyewitnesses came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God (Matt. 27:51-56, Mk. 15:37-41, Lk. 23:44-49, Jn. 19:31-37). Even so, God would have men estimate this Day to be the darkest of all time! Heaven would direct sinners to esteem these three hours to be the darkest and blackest of human history! For, if this dark Day is regarded in due honor by sinners, worshipfully, then every other dark Day on earth will be illuminated with light. 
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Being Stripped Naked

5/2/2023

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Article #17 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

Publicly stripping people naked, even for the purpose of torture and execution, is an open display of contempt being projected upon those who are condemned to die. The personal sense of loss can become overwhelming when the very last thing in your possession is taken from you, even your very own clothes. Upon being stripped of dignity and respect, the person is made to feel unwanted, unloved, and without value to society. Historically speaking, it was ordinary for people to be stripped for crucifixions in Rome. The Roman soldiers who were present would then divide the clothing as a payment for the job. 
“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” – Matt. 27:35

“And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.” - Mark 15:24

“And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.” – Luke 23:34b

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” - John 19:23-24
The Evangelists are unanimous in their testimony with remarkable detail. In preparation for the crucifixion, Jesus Christ was stripped of “His garments”. These included “His coat” and undergarment; the former having no seam and the latter having seams. The garment with seams was divided among four soldiers and then they casted lots for the seamless one so that it would remain intact.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John gave the details on how the differing garments were divided among the soldiers so that the reader might be certain that Jesus was completely unclothed and stripped for the crucifixion. As a matter of fact, this despicable act of shame was foretold a thousand years before Christ was even born (Heb. 12:2). 
“I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.”  - Psalm 22:17-18
Even from eternity it was all ordained so to be. Matthew and John emphasized that this explicit act was a fulfillment of Scripture (Matt. 27:35, Jn. 19:24). Hereby, the Evangelists brought into view the whole scene of Psalm 22 as a divine interpretation to what was transpiring. That interpretation makes it abundantly clear that what was happening to the Messiah was substitutionary.
“‘They look and stare upon Me.’ Unholy eyes gazed insultingly upon the Saviour's nakedness, and shocked the sacred delicacy of his holy soul. The sight of the agonizing body ought to have ensured sympathy from the throng, but it only increased their savage mirth, as they gloated their cruel eyes upon his miseries. Let us blush for human nature and mourn in sympathy with our Redeemer's shame. The first Adam made us all naked, and therefore the second Adam became naked that he might clothe our naked souls.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David
The eternal One was unclothed and killed so that mortal men might be clothed with immortality; as it is written, “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” (2 Cor. 5:3-4). In dying the Prince of Life merits the resurrection of spiritually dead sinners (Acts 3:15). Why? Because the debasement of a heavenly Man merits the exaltation of earthly men (Lk. 14:11, 18:14). The shame of a sinless Man merits honor for sinners (Heb. 12:2). The nakedness of the Son of God merits a covering for shameful sinners – even white robes of righteousness for the adorning and beautification of condemned criminals.

This open display of contempt for the Son of God merits an open display of love towards the sons of men. The disrespect shown to so great a King merits the allowance of divine respect toward lawless criminals – so that those who would otherwise be justly unwanted in Heaven are then endowed with a divine righteousness that lifts sinners up from the dunghill and seats them at the table of the Kingdom of God forevermore (Ps. 138:6; Lev. 26:9, 2 Kings 13:23). 
“Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not?” – Mk. 8:18a
Noble sinners may be adorned with the most extravagant attire on earth, but in Heaven’s eyes they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and “naked” (Rev. 3:17). The Cross changes everything. Do you see things as God sees them? Think about it (Isa. 3:16-26; Matt. 13:14-15). A divine voice of pity freely offers wretched men “white raiment” – a heavenly attire that is gifted to sinners as an endowment of divine righteousness. Why? Speaking for Himself, Jesus Christ said, “that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” (Rev. 3:18, 16:15). Compassionately, the Savior of the world desires to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Accordingly, everyone in Heaven is clothed with the “white robes” of Christ’s righteousness (Rev. 6:11, 7:9, 13, 14, 19:14). Nevertheless, sinners need to feel the shame of their own nakedness (Gen. 3:7, Ex. 32:25, 2 Chron. 28:19, Ezek. 16:22)! Only then will they see value in the ghastly sight of the Cross (Isa. 61:1-3). 
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The Cup of Wine & Myrrh

4/28/2023

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Article #16 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

Even the most barbaric societies of sinners would sometimes show a little compassion upon condemned prisoners. This would come in the form of a liquid drink that served as an analgesic. It would be offered to those who were about to be tortured to death, even though it would only slightly numb the senses of the criminal. 
“And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.” – Matt. 27:33-34

“And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.” - Mark 15:22-23
The Son of God would not partake of it! Why? In offering the Man this analgesic, Satan hoped to make void the sovereign design of the Passion. Literally, the Devil attempted to inhibit the ability of Jesus Christ to think and feel in this climactic moment of suffering for an Atonement. Here, at the Cross, the wrath of God would intensify to a maximum degree of glory, and Jesus Christ was determined to consciously endure it on behalf of sinners (Jn. 12:27-33). Remember, for our Lord, a maximum degree of divine wrath meant a maximum degree of suffering. Obviously, the Son of God wouldn’t consciously excuse Himself from the Theater of the Passion through taking an analgesic, especially upon coming to this most important episode of the Atonement. 
“For two reasons – because this suffering to the utmost was necessary to the completion of the Atonement, which saves to the utmost, and because this suffering to the utmost was necessary to perfect His Character as ‘a merciful High Priest’ who has to care for souls that have gone to the utmost of miseries themselves –that He might know how to succor them that are tempted.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Determination of Christ to Suffer for His People

“First, I say it was necessary to make the Atonement complete. I think that if our Savior had drunk this myrrhed cup, the Atonement would not have been valid. It strikes me that if He had drunk this wine mingled with myrrh, He could not have suffered to the extent that was absolutely necessary. We believe Christ did, on the Cross, suffer just enough, and not one particle more than was necessary for the redemption of His people. If, then, this wine cup had taken away a part of His sufferings, the ransom price would not have been fully complete – it would not have been fully paid. And if it had but taken away so much as a grain, the Atonement would not have been sufficiently satisfactory. If a man’s ransom is to be paid, it must be all paid, for though but one single farthing is left unpaid, the man is not fully redeemed and he is not yet totally free. If, then, this drinking of the wine cup had taken out the smallest amount from that fearful price of agony which our Savior paid, the Atonement would have been insufficient only to a degree, but even insufficiency to a degree, however small, would have been enough to have caused perpetual despair, yes, enough to have shut the gates of Heaven against all Believers! The utmost farthing must be paid! Relentless Justice has never yet omitted so much as a fraction of its claim! Nor would it, in this case, have relented in any measure – Christ must pay it all! The wine cup would have prevented His doing that, therefore He would suffer and go the whole length of suffering! He would not stop, but would go through it all.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Determination of Christ to Suffer for His People  
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the Father gave to the Son a most bitter cup of divine wrath. Then, from Gethsemane to Calvary, Jesus Christ was in the process of drinking this cup. The dregs of every bitter cup lay at the bottom of the drink, and Jesus Christ was determined to drink every last drop of the wrath of God (Ps. 75:8, Isa. 51:17, 22; Jn. 18:10-11)! However, cunningly, Satan attempted to force Jesus to drink yet another cup, a cup of analgesic, to undermine the purpose of the Father: because when it pleased the Father to put Christ to grief, then Satan was pleased to try to steal away just a little bit of that grief (Isa. 53:10). Nevertheless, our Champion emerged out of Gethsemane with unwavering courage to absorb divine wrath until it was finished.

Historically, many criminals have suffered death by a Cross in the Roman Empire. They could have received the numbing analgesic of wine and myrrh and everything would have been fine. In this respect, the Romans were to be commended for this act of pity upon condemned prisoners. Nevertheless, “the Cross of Christ” was completely different (1 Cor. 1:17-18, Gal. 6:12, 14, Php. 3:18). No such an allowance was permissible to the Son of God because of the substitutionary requirements of the Atonement. The misery of a sinless Man merits happiness for sinners. The sorrow of the Savior merits joy for sinners. The pain of a perfect Man merits peace for sinners. Divine wrath upon Jesus Christ merits divine love for sinners. The curse of this Cross merits blessing for sinners. The Son of God drank the cup of divine wrath so that we can take “the cup of salvation” and call upon the name of the LORD (Ps. 116:13)! 
Death and the curse were in our cup,
O Christ, ’twas full for Thee!
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop -
’Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup—love drank it up;
Now blessings’ draught for me.
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The Crucifixion: The Spectacle of Ages

4/27/2023

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Article #15 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

(Matt. 27:33-50, Mk. 15:22-37, Lk. 23:33-49, Jn. 19:17-37)
This is where the earthly pilgrimage of the Christ comes to an end. The Man lived a perfect life. Every thought, word, and deed for an entire lifetime was flawless until the very end. Even so, Jesus Christ died a perfect death. Celestial beings watched with bated breath as the Son of God took those final steps up the lonely hill called Golgatha. Simon the Cyrene staggered backward in awe at what was about to happen. Here, the weight of the Cross was unshouldered, but the soul of Jesus Christ was no less burdened! Every sensible experience of divine wrath was about to intensify to a maximum degree of glory on the Cross. Nevertheless, not everyone could see it (Isa. 53:3). Not everyone wants to see it. 

Watching, Seeing, Beholding, & Looking!

“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men: So shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at Him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.” - Isaiah 52:13-15
The Cross is the spectacle of all ages! At once, upon encountering it, most people are unable to see the beauty of it. This is the tragic reality (1 Cor. 1:18). Therefore, mystery and controversy surround this momentous occasion in every generation. Divine love yearns to disclose this mystery to all mankind! In fact, this is the very reason that the Evangelists are bringing this scene before us in Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. 
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” – 1 Tim. 3:16 
A great multitude was gathered there that day. Some people were sitting down, while others were standing, and still more were passing by because of a major roadway nearby (Jn. 19:20). Nevertheless, everyone was compelled to gaze upon the great spectacle that was before them! 
“And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” – Matt. 27:36-37

“And the people stood beholding.” – Lk. 23:35

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads…” – Matt. 27:39 (Mk. 15:29)
The massive crowd closely watched the physical process of the crucifixion. Remarkably, once the Man was erected before them, the spectacle had only just begun! Nobody went home as if there was nothing more to see. The multitude couldn’t take their eyes off the crucified One! Then the Chief Priests spoke up, hoping to undermine the messianic identity Jesus. 
“Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the Cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” - Mark 15:32
The anticipation was strong among the people. Nobody knew what the famous miracle worker would say or do now. A strong chorus of blasphemy and mockery was unrelenting from the crowd. Nevertheless, the people were still troubled at the thought of something totally unexpected happening. The Son of God proceeded to utter words from the Cross a total of seven times, and the virtue of the same reverberated into eternity. 
“Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said…” – Matt. 27:47 (Mk. 15:35)

“The rest said, Let be, let us see…” – Matt. 27:49

“Let alone, let us see whether Elias will come to take Him down.” - Mk. 15:36

“Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw…” - Matt. 27:54 (Mk. 15:39, Lk. 23:47)

“And many women were there beholding afar off…” – Matt. 27:55 (Lk. 23:49)

“There were also women looking on afar off…” – Mk. 15:40 
The spectacle of all ages didn’t prove to be a disappointment. Seeing is believing (Isa. 45:22, Heb. 12:2)! Nevertheless, the eye of the beholder must be spiritually unblinded (Matt. 13:16). The facts speak for themselves. Whatever was said and done in this momentous occasion made the difference. Literally, the countenances of the blasphemers were bowed down, and the believers that were present were blessed. The hours of looking, beholding, watching, and seeing paid off in the end for many souls! The same is true for everyone from generation to generation. Tarry before the Cross of Christ and it will likely be the same for you. Amazingly, many proud blasphemers became believers that day! There is converting power at the Cross. 
“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” - Luke 23:48

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM he, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” – John 8:28-29 
You can afford time for this great sight! It is worthwhile. Nothing else is more important. The Creator of the eye is purposed to capture your fascination. Don’t ignore the divine appeal of prophecy any longer! “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isa. 45:22). 
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Carrying the Cross to the Hill of Calvary

4/26/2023

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Article #14 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

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An Expulsion Outside of the City

(Matt. 27:31-33, Mk. 15:20-22, Lk. 23:26-33, Jn. 19:16-17)
Only five days ago, Jerusalem gave Jesus the welcome of a King! Literally, multitudes of people were proclaiming the Man to be the long-awaited Messiah, while crying out the word, Hosanna! Being interpreted, this means: “Save now Lord!”. Then the sinless Son of God was suddenly cast out of Jerusalem. 
“Then delivered he Him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him away. And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:” - John 19:16-17
The sacred moment finally came for Jesus to embrace the Cross! Having preached about its necessity to everyone, everywhere, and especially to His disciples, the Son of God showed no hesitation in picking it up and carrying it to Calvary. This is John’s explicit emphasis (John 19:16-17). However, seeing that Jesus was bearing it with much difficulty, and thus moving slowly, the Romans caught a bystander and forced him to bear it with Jesus along the way. 
“And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” – Matt. 27:31-32

“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.” – Mk. 15:20-21
Jesus wasn’t the only one being conducted to the hill. Two other criminals were being led in the procession. However, for Jesus this was a difficult journey… even from a physical perspective. 
“It can be easily concluded that prior to and leading up to the time of the crucifixion, Jesus Christ had undergone significant blood loss through the scourging process, buffeting, and smiting of the people (Matt. 26:67, 27:30, Mk. 15:19, Lk. 22:63-64, Jn. 19:3, Matt. 27:26, Mk. 15:15, Jn. 19:1). His body was likely debilitated by dehydration, extreme exhaustion, stress reactions through the release of stress hormones, low blood pressure, and low blood perfusion due to profuse blood loss. He was likely experiencing deeply excruciating, stabbing, explosive, and electric-like pain due to the opening up of the chest cavity, and wounds inflicted throughout his body and head by the scourging process and smiting on the head and body by His accusers. This is evidenced by the fact that Jesus Christ was unable to carry the cross, weighing up to 60 kg (132 lbs), though he sought to, and thus, Simon of Cyrene was found and made to bear it with him (Bordes (2020), Matt. 27:32, Mk. 15:21, Lk. 23:26, Jn. 19:17).” – Dr. Preethi Morris 
Simon and Jesus bore the physical burden together until arriving to the designated hill of crucifixion. However, something else altogether was weighing down Jesus Christ! The Cross was much heavier for the Son of God. Sharing the weight of 132 lbs for the journey would have required heavy breathing, and with each breath the pain was radiating all throughout the chest cavity of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, something else was paining the Man much more than what anyone realized. Literally, the pain is incomprehensible! Therefore, the Son of God was inconsolable. 

A Dreadful Legal Procession of Spectacular Sorrow

“Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.”  - Lam. 1:12
O Christ, what burdens bow’d Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead,
Didst bear all ill for me.
A victim led; Thy blood was shed;
Now there’s no load for me.
The Man’s appearance was so stricken with agony that some of the more sensible bystanders wondered if there had ever been any sorrow like this before. Something spiritual was happening. This was a sorrow that far exceeded the sorrow of the Jews in Babylonian Captivity (Lam. 1:12). Even to look upon the Man of Sorrows was distressing to many spectators because it was such a ghastly sight! It was comparable to how a dreamlike personal tour of Hell might make someone feel as a spectator. Can you imagine it? Certainly, it would be horrifying to see and hear the distressed souls of sinners burning and suffocating in the infernal dungeon! Nevertheless, the same eternal wrath that powers Hell was manifestly present in time for the Passion of Jesus Christ. Moment by moment, the Son of God was suffering the equivalent of a thousand Hells! Therefore, imagine how difficult it was for the Son of God to make this treacherous journey outside of the City.

The Jews of the day had their own opinions about what was happening to Jesus of Nazareth, but what they think doesn’t really matter. “What is the chaff to the wheat?” (Jer. 23:28). Believe it or not, this journey to the Cross was much more impressive than the miraculous passage of Israel through the crystal walls of the Red Sea. God-Incarnate was doing wonders! Insomuch that the survival of the Jews in the Red Sea crossing is nothing in comparison. The bystanders of Jerusalem couldn’t see it. They were too busy minding earthly things (Php. 3:17-19). Nevertheless, myriads of Angels and legions of Devils were marveling at Jesus Christ! Step by step, they were wondering how the Man was surviving and pressing forward in the accomplishment of an impossible feat. For, in making this half-a-mile journey to the Cross, the Son of God was passing through a furious ocean of divine wrath. 
“…Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?”  – Isa. 33:14
The physical weight of the Cross alone, by itself, didn’t make the Son of God stagger and collapse along the way. No! The weight of the world was upon the shoulders of the Lamb of God (Isa. 9:6-7). Even as John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)! Amazingly, this proclamation resounds at every juncture, in every scene, as the Evangelists of the Gospel conduct the reader from Gethsemane to Calvary. Accordingly, this journey outside of Jerusalem was a significant part in the story of redemption. 
“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” – Heb. 13:11-12 (Ex. 29:14, Lev. 4:11-12, 21, 6:30, 8:17, 16:27)
Behold! Sin must be taken, and borne, if it is going to be taken away. While everyone else was going about another day as usual, Jesus Christ was absorbing the wrath of God in every second of every minute during the journey from the palace of the Governor to the hill of Golgotha. Literally, this is what Heaven was seeing as Jesus Christ carried the Cross to the hill of Calvary! Paul was quoting from Leviticus 4:4-12 in Hebrews 13:11-12. Are you seeing the same thing? Let the heart of every believer pause, and pray to God, “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” (Ps. 119:18). 
“And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before the LORD. And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary. And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away, As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering. And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung, Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.”  - Lev. 4:4-12
In being expelled from Jerusalem, the Son of God was painfully aware that this was an essential part of the Atonement, as the law required that the cursed bodies of these beasts would be taken outside of the camp for annihilation. The Hebrews knew that this wasn’t a walk in the park. A legally required priestly procession must carry the bullock outside of the camp! Furthermore, seeing that the Tabernacle was located in the center of the Israelite camp, with the arrangement of the other Tribes purposely encamped around it (Num. 2:1-34), this journey would have provided a rare glimpse into the ghastly nature of the Atonement as the priestly procession passed by the tents of average Israelite families. 
“The priest then took the bullock, and gathering up all the innards, every part of it, the skin, the dung — all mentioned to teach us what a horrible thing sin is, and what the Surety was looked upon as being when He took our sin — he took it all up, and either himself personally, or assisted by others, took it away out of the camp. We are told that in the wilderness, so large was the camp, that it may have been the distance of four miles that this bullock had to be carried.

I think I see the sad procession — the priest all smeared with blood, carrying the carcass of the bullock, taking it right away down the long line of tents, first through the abodes of one tribe and then of another, through the long streets of tents, while the people stood at their doors and saw the ghastly sight. It was killed at the altar of burnt offering. Why was it not burnt there? That altar was holy, and as soon as ever sin was laid upon the bullock, it ceased to be any longer looked upon as a holy thing. It could not therefore be burnt in the holy place, it must be right taken away. So the priest carried it away — a terrible load — till he reached the usual place where the ashes were kindled, and he put the bullock there, and heaped the hot ashes upon it till the whole smoked up to heaven, and was utterly consumed as a sin offering.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Sin Offering

“If you have read the order of the burnt offering, you will have noticed that when the bullock of the burnt offering was offered, it was washed, to show the perfection of Christ as He is a sweet savor, all pure and clean, but in this case there is added that humiliating word, “with the dung.” What a humiliating type of Christ! Ah, but what are your sins and mine that were laid upon Jesus? How could our iniquities and transgressions be better set forth than by that bleeding, mangled mass, which the high priest had to carry out away from the camp, as though it were a thing abhorred, which could not be endured in the camp any longer? It is your Savior made sin for you and put away on your behalf.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Sin Offering
The prophetic typology of the law conveys the reality of what Jesus Christ was ordained to accomplish in the Atonement. This sacred journey outside of Jerusalem was the ultimate priestly procession. One saintly Man carried a cursed load that was far more horrifying than any gory mess of animals in all of Jewish history! Mark every footprint of this journey. Count every step! The burden being borne was far more serious than the transportation of the Ark in the days of David & Solomon. David counted “six paces” and sacrificed oxen and fatlings in a massive assembly of solemn and holy celebration, the likes of which Jerusalem had never seen (2 Sam. 6:13, 1 Chron. 15:1-28). This moment in history was perhaps only eclipsed by the day when Solomon oversaw the transportation of the Ark into the Temple, when he and Israel commemorated the successful journey of the Ark with innumerable sacrifices (2 Chron. 5:1-6). How much more do the paces of our Priest, the Christ of God, demand our serious worship? 

Moreover, for the exact same reasons, the ascent of Jesus Christ up the hill of Golgotha was far more ceremonious and legally significant than when the Aaronic Priesthood ascended the Altar of Sacrifice in the courts of the Temple in the Old Testament. This is where the epic journey comes to an end for the High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek. Mark every footprint of this ascent. Count every step! This is when a hill for condemned criminals on the outskirts of Jerusalem became much more sacred to God than the Temple, when at last the Lamb of God summited the mount as the Champion of the Atonement.

Despite the immense and unimaginable burden that was put upon Jesus Christ, the Man was still perfectly sound in His mind throughout the exercise. The physical weakness exhibited while carrying the Cross was not due to a fatal degree of blood loss, because this would have caused Jesus to be delirious with episodes of fainting and unconsciousness. The Evangelists would have recorded this in the Gospels if such things were happening. Rather, Jesus went on to endure the physical torture of a crucifixion for hours after this, demonstrating alertness and coherency of mind until the very last breath. Furthermore, the one and only thing that our Lord said along the way shows to us an unquestionable presence of mind. 
“And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.” - Luke 23:26-32
The carnality of the mourners was a grief to the Savior! The daughters of Jerusalem wept for Jesus Christ while remaining oblivious to the real reasons for which He was suffering. The seemingly pious worshipers were rebuked with a fiery warning for such spiritual blindness, even that they should cease to weep for Christ, and begin weeping for themselves. Why? Because divine judgment will come upon all those who spiritually disregard the Passion of Jesus Christ. 
“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” – Dan. 9:26
The blindness of Jerusalem was unjustifiable. The Messiah’s fate to be “cut off” was foretold exactly 173,885 days before it happened! Therefore, those who never came to realize why the Messiah was condemned to die in the first place, namely that it was “not for Himself” (Dan. 9:26), were also unable to see the danger on the horizon. The armies of the Prince were coming to make war against Jerusalem because they were commissioned by God to destroy both it and the Temple. Jesus forewarned of the same in parables just days before the crucifixion. 
“Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” – Matt. 21:33-44
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The 3rd Appearance Before Pilate: The Condemnation of Rome

4/25/2023

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Article #13 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

​(Matt. 27:20-26, Mk. 15:11-15, Lk. 23:18-25, Jn. 19:1-16)
Contextual Details for Harmonizing the Gospels: The 3rd appearance of Jesus before Pilate began with a formal presentation of the Lamb of God to the angry crowd of Jews waiting in the courtyard of the palace (Jn. 19:1-6). Jesus Christ was still dressed in the scarlet-purple robe (and the crown of thorns) at this time, and thus the mockery of the Kingship of the Son of God by this means continued (Jn. 19:1-16); therefore, the Jews joined the Romans in this newly invented form of mockery (Note: other forms of mockery will continue at the Cross by both Jews and Romans). Literally, this specific form of mockery that began in the Praetorium continued at the courtyard of the palace, and “after” it was all said and done, “when” the sentence of condemnation was finally given, only then did the Roman soldiers remove the scarlet-purple robe and put Jesus’ own raiment back on Him (see “after” & “when” in Matt. 27:31 & Mk. 15:20).
Having sentenced Jesus to be scourged, Pilate was anxiously awaiting His return to the judgment hall. The governor was planning his next moves carefully. All the Jews were still gathered in the courtyard of the palace, and he didn’t know how they would react to what was coming. Pilate was hoping to release Jesus without a tumult being created by the Jews (Matt. 27:24). 

“Behold the Man!” – John 19:5

Then came the moment when Christ was ushered back into the presence of Pilate in the judgment hall. The governor took one look at Jesus and knew what to do! He would go to the courtyard and boldly proclaim to the Jews his judgment of innocence, and then he would ceremoniously bring Jesus before them, saying, “Behold the Man!” (Jn. 19:5). 
“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote Him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” – John 19:1-6 
Perhaps the Roman soldiers were taking longer than expected, and Pilate ended up giving the command to interrupt their fiasco, and thus Jesus was brought before the governor still adorned with the scarlet-purple robe. Whatever happened, these earthly circumstances weren’t random or coincidental. This was a divinely planned presentation. Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold, I bring him forth to you…”, and then ceremoniously proclaimed, “Behold the Man!” (Jn. 19:5), while unknowingly speaking on behalf of God to Jerusalem. What followed is a shocking scene! 
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
Suddenly, the Jews saw the amazing sight! Jesus stood before them all regal as a King! Having been marred by the scourge more than any other man had ever been disfigured by Roman torturers (Isa. 52:14), it seemed that Pilate simply couldn’t contain himself, as he would go on to make a second proclamation, saying, “Behold your King!” (Jn. 19:14). Having been crowned with thorns, spat upon, and badly beaten, the Lamb of God was now being publicly presented to the Jews while in the very act of taking away the sin of the world! This is Gospel preaching like the world has never seen. Even as Isaiah the prophet foretold, saying, “Behold your God!” (Isa. 40:9), this is a moment that men and angels will remember forever. 
“He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” – Isa. 53:3
Remember, Pilate’s stated purpose in the 2nd appearance was, “I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him.” (Lk. 23:16). The governor hoped that the Jews would take one look upon the Man, and it would be enough. However, during the scourging, the Chief Priests and Elders took the needed time to persuade the multitude to make their demands in unison, in one voice, putting pressure upon Pilate to release Barabbas instead of Jesus, to the end that the Son of God would be destroyed. Therefore, immediately, when the Chief Priests and Officers “saw” Jesus, “they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him”, and then the whole multitude followed their lead (Jn. 19:6). 
“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.” Matt. 27:20-23

“But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.” – Mk. 15:11-14

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified.” – Lk. 23:18-23
Such a resounding cry coming from the Jews is dreadful to imagine! Clearly, Pilate was beginning to be afraid of the unrelenting venom coming from the crowd (Jn. 19:8). Therefore, at some point, he went inside to speak privately with Jesus Christ one last time. The governor knew that the Man didn’t deserve to be condemned to death. 

The Condemnation of Rome

Pilate anxiously waited to hear whatever Jesus had to say in one final word, as he deliberated on what to do, and the Son of God confirmed the very same thing that Pilate unwittingly proclaimed before the Jews:  namely, the Good News, that Heaven was in control of everything, and therefore it was the will of the Father that Jesus would be condemned to die by crucifixion. 
“Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” – Jn. 19:6-11
Despite all these deliberations, we know how it all ends. Eventually, the Jews became even more furious in their loud outcries! The crowd turned riotous in a tumult (Matt. 27:24). This is the one thing that Pilate wanted to prevent. Therefore, at last, Pilate succumbed to the pressure and gave the sentence. However, it wasn’t without the Jews loudly proclaiming their guilt in forcing the governor’s hand to do this. Fearfully, they said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” (Matt. 27:25)! 
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” – Matt. 27:24-26

“And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” – Mk. 15:11-15

“And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” - Luke 23:23-25
Finally, when Pilate ascended the pavement and sat on the judgment seat to give the sentence, the condemnation uttered by Rome came with the force of Heaven behind it: the Father, presiding over the whole affair, was determined to condemn the sins of the whole world in the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. 
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The Crown of Thorns

4/24/2023

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Article #12 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

Contextual Details for Harmonizing the Gospels: Luke completely overlooks this event in “the common hall”, the same place that is called the “Praetorium”, where a whole band of Romans soldiers assembled to make a mockery of divine majesty (Matt. 27:27, Mk. 15:16). Matthew and Mark record what happened with significant detail, but they do not focus on the order of events with respect to the 2nd & 3rd appearance of Jesus before Pilate. The words “when” & “delivered” in Matthew 27:26 & Mark 15:15 allow for John’s clarification without contradiction (John 19:16). John provides the exact order of events in John 19:1-16.
“We see in Jesus the Monarch of the realms of misery, the Chief among ten thousand sufferers. Never say, “I am a great sufferer.” What are our griefs compared with His?” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Crown of Thorns
Upon arising from the scourging block, Jesus was conducted to a place called “the common hall” or the “Praetorium” (Matt. 27:27, Mk. 15:16). Then a most disturbing scene began to develop. The soldiers that brought Jesus to this location began to “call together the whole band” of Roman soldiers (Mk. 15:16). Apparently, everyone who was called then came willingly to the assembly. Both Matthew and Mark are explicit to mention that “the whole band” ended up coming to this one location for what was about to take place (Matt. 27:27, Mk. 15:16).

Technically speaking, the Roman military was separated into bands that were called cohorts, and each cohort consisted of 400 to 600 soldiers. One can only imagine what was said to beckon everyone to come together! Nevertheless, we know that the attention of everyone there was hellishly fixated on Jesus, as Matthew emphasized, because when the soldiers were coming, it was written that they “gathered unto Him” (Matt. 27:27).
“And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, And began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshipped Him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him…” – Mark 15:16-20

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him…” – Matt. 27:27-31

“Though myriads of holy angels adored Him, though they would have gladly left their high estate in Heaven to smite His foes and set Him free, He voluntarily subjected Himself to all the ignominy that I have described – and much more which is utterly indescribable – for who knows what things were said and done in that rough guard-room which holy pens could not record, or what foul jests were made, and what obscene remarks were uttered, which were even more shocking to Christ than the filthy spit which ran down His blessed cheeks in that time of shameful mockery? Ah, my Brothers and Sisters, you cannot imagine how low your Lord stooped on your account!” – C.H. Spurgeon, Mocked of the Soldiers
In a frenzy of demonic zeal, the soldiers made a mockery of divine majesty! A significant amount of time and effort was put into this affair. Some soldiers began to strip Jesus of His garments, and others rushed to get a scarlet robe, while others were taking the time to make a crown of thorns by platting or braiding various branches of thorns together, and yet another went and got a reed. Amidst the roars and shouts of laughter, as each component of their entertainment came together, the mockery commenced, and then the violence. 
“For dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me…” – Ps. 22:16

“Behold, today, the Lily among thorns, Purity, itself, in the midst of opposing sin! See here the Sacrifice caught in the thicket, and held fast there, as a victim in our place to fulfill the ancient type of the ram held by the bushes which Abraham slew instead of Isaac!” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Crown of Thorns
Hundreds of soldiers proceeded to salute and hail Jesus as the King of the Jews, even bowing down upon their knees before Him as mock worshipers. Chaos ensued as the laughter turned into rage and the rage into laughter as the soldiers competitively indulged in the animalistic celebration. Even though they wouldn’t admit it, many soldiers felt frightened by the injuries they were suffering upon their consciences as they participated in the mockery, but instead of humbling themselves, they became angry and furious at the thought of such a weak Man intimidating them (Ps. 109:4-5). Feeling threatened by the holiness of the Son of God, the soldiers proceeded to inflict harm upon Him: some began to spit upon Jesus, and others took turns smiting Him in the head with the reed that they had put in His hand, while still more “smote Him with their hands” (Jn. 19:3). Such a beating deserves a close analysis to comprehend the physical and medical implications of everything.
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“The crown of thorns is believed to consist of a crown made from a thorny plant such as the “Syrian Christ Thorn” which has sharp closely spaced thorns. This was the crown that was “platted” and put upon the LORD’s head just after He had been scourged (Matt. 27:29, Mk. 15:17, Jn. 19:2). With the platting together of multiple plants, the crown could easily consist of hundreds of thorns based on the few cm. distance between thorns in a typically observed plant.” – Dr. Preethi Morris
With hundreds of soldiers participating in this episode of the Atonement, every detail provided by the Evangelists must be fully appreciated. When Mark said that “they…mocked Him”, he was informing the reader that “the whole band” erupted in a chorus of blasphemy and reproach for a significant amount of time (Mk. 15:16-20). Meanwhile, out of the hundreds present in the assembly, can you imagine some 20 or 30 soldiers angrily spitting upon Jesus Christ, as each soldier was individually moved to make his very own mark of contempt upon the body of the Son of God? This is what Matthew was portraying when he said that “they spit upon Him” (Matt. 27:30).

Similarly, while speaking about what “the whole band” was doing, John said that “they smote Him with their hands”, which means that many among the hundreds were taking turns beating Jesus Christ throughout the whole ordeal (John 19:3). Apparently, those who could get their hands upon the reed were doing the same thing with it! For, both Matthew and Mark said that “they…took the reed, and smote Him on the head”, which would indicate that they were taking turns smiting Jesus on the crown of thorns, and with every blow the thorns were piercing deeper into His head (Matt. 27:30, Mk. 15:19). 
“Through repeated beatings and blows to the head, there would be activation of the two major nerves that enervate all of the face and head: the trigeminal nerve, which traverses the face, eyes, nose, mouth, and jaws, and the greater occipital branch which supplies the back of the head. When the trigeminal nerve is irritated significantly, this may trigger a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia, which causes a severe and stabbing pain that is triggered by light touch, light, light wind, talking, eating, etc. The pain is described as unparalleled: spasms of stabbing, lancinating, explosive, and like an electric shock (Zakrzewska (1997)). Trigeminal nerve pain is described by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) as the most excruciating pain known to humanity." - Dr. Preethi Morris 
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"Additionally, the wounds inflicted by the thorns would have caused substantial blood loss. According to Gospel accounts the angry mob of people, the whole band of Roman soldiers, took the reed from Christ and repeatedly smote His head. With each blow, it may be estimated that roughly 10 or more thorns could penetrate the scalp before being broken by the pressure with each blow applied--perhaps multiple blows at a time, and one after another (Matt. 27:30, Mk. 15:19, Jn. 19:3).” – Dr. Preethi Morris 
Medically speaking, this was a physical beating that could strike the Son of God with the most excruciating pain known to mankind! Literally, as the thorns penetrated the skin and plunged deep into the physical tissue of Jesus Christ, when the crown of thorns was beaten into His head, this would have triggered the nerves that are capable of ministering a stabbing and explosive pain that is comparable to an electric shock! However, not even this could be credited as the primary source of pain in the Passion of Jesus Christ. Why? There is a pain unknown to mankind that was the real cause of suffering.

Sovereignty designed every detail of this moment as a testimony of the Passion of Jesus Christ. The physical realm speaks volumes about the spiritual realm. The physical things being endured do amplify the spiritual things. In a horrifying display of human depravity, this is only a snapshot of a greater picture: namely, all that the omniscient gaze of God endures as billions of sinners on earth are boiling with contempt against the Most High! Such hatred then marred the image of divine love, making the face of Jesus Christ to bleed! Nevertheless, no amount of hatred could sour the love of God in the heart of the Savior. 
“He who sees Jesus crowned with thorns will loathe to look on self, except it be through tears of contrition. This thorn at the breast will make men sing, but not with notes of self-congratulation – the notes will be those of a dove moaning for her mate.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Crown of Thorns
This scene conveys to us an inconceivable mystery. The feeling of thorns is unpleasant in any earthly scenario, but to have them grinding upon your skull and activating your nerves, this would preoccupy anyone’s mind in such circumstances. Nevertheless, something else altogether was exciting the neurons in the mind of Jesus Christ with unspeakable anguish! The human brain consists of hundreds of billions of neurons. Literally, a neurological map of what the brain is capable of thinking and feeling would be comparable to a map of the stars of the Milky Way galaxy! We are talking about 80 cubic inches of the most complex organic material in the physical universe. Nevertheless, something much more impressive was taking place in the spiritual universe in this assembly of Roman soldiers.

The curse of God upon sinners is symbolized by the thorn. It is the unwanted presence of something ugly and unpleasant growing with that which is good and beautiful. In Eden, the pure joy and blessedness of life was cursed, and hereby the lives of sinners are fraught with pain and difficulty. Speaking of this, the LORD said, “thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee” (Gen. 3:18). Literally, without the fall of Adam there would be no thorns at all! When sin entered into the world everything changed (Gen. 3:17-18). Even so, when sin entered into the body of Jesus Christ through imputation everything changed (Rom. 8:3-4, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal. 3:13, 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 Cor. 15:21-22). 
“Where I see the great Substitute for sinners put to such shame, scorn and ridicule, my heart says to itself, ‘See what sin deserves?’ There is nothing in the world that more richly deserves to be despised, abhorred, condemned, than sin! If we look at it aright, we shall see that it is the most abominable thing, the most shameful thing in the whole universe. Of all the things that ever were, this is the thing which most of all deserves to be loathed and spurned. It is not a thing of God’s creating, remember – it is an abortion – a phantom of the night which plucked a host of angels from their thrones in Heaven, drove our first parents out of Paradise and brought upon us unnumbered miseries.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Mocked of the Soldiers

“They had scourged Him till probably there was no part of His body which was not bleeding beneath their blows – except His head – and now that head must be made to suffer, too. Alas, our whole head was sick and our whole heart faint – and so He must be made, in His chastisement, like unto us in our transgression. There was no part of our humanity without sin – and there must be no part of His humanity without suffering. If we had escaped, in some measure, from iniquity, so might He have escaped from pain. But as we had worn the foul garment of transgression and it covered us from head to foot, even so must He wear the garments of shame and derision from the crown of His head, even to the sole of His feet” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Crown of Thorns 
The perspective of our Lord is symbolically communicated in this dreadful scene. God the Son, as an omniscient Savior, was filled with love while looking at the most hateful, insulting, and blasphemous forms of human depravity. This is a testimony of unmerited love. Jesus Christ didn’t die for good men! No. From Heaven’s perspective, spiritually speaking, sin and sinners are a vexing force of constant pain, like “thorns in your eyes” or “thorns in your sides” (Num. 33:55, Josh. 23:13, Judges 2:3). Nevertheless, even with a stabbing sense of omniscience – in comprehending the depths of human depravity – Jesus Christ willingly and whole-heartedly died for sinners. 
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8

“O head so full of bruises!
Brow that its lifeblood loses!
Oh great humility.
Upon His face are falling
Indignities most galling!
He bears them all for me.”
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The Scourging

4/23/2023

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Article #11 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

(Matt. 27:26, Mk. 15:15, Lk. 23:16, 22, Jn. 19:1)
“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.” – Matt. 20:18-19

“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” - Luke 18:31-33

“…And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.” - Mark 10:33-34
Scourging was a notorious form of torture used by the Romans that was greatly feared by ancient society. As demonstrated in the Gospels, it regularly preceded the crucifixion of condemned prisoners. However, it was also used to extract information and punish criminals, even when men were not condemned to die; but some would end up dying in the exercise because of the horrific damage inflicted upon the body.

The Romans possessed tremendous power over the nations under their rule because of these frightening public chastisements by the scourge (Lk. 23:16, 22). The demonstration of brutality and cruelty was so traumatizing, just the threat of scourging was often all that was needed to silence an angry mob, because it had the ability to bend and break the stoutest of rebels among the people.  

A historical and medical analysis of scourging brings clarity to exactly what physically happened, allowing for us to know how the flagrum was employed by the torturers for smiting, and how the blows of each stroke cut, bruised, and wounded the subject, and how the onslaught of repeated stripes would inflict more and more damage to the human body.
“In the time of Christ’s earthly life, a greatly feared practice in Rome was the scourging of political insurgents and other types of criminals and rebels. The scourge itself, also known as a flagrum, or flagellum, was a whip with leather thongs containing small metal balls and/or sharp animal bone fragments (Maslen (2006)). The individual would be stripped bare, and whipped on the back, buttocks, legs, and sometimes on his front. In the Roman Law, there was no limit to the number of floggings, but in the Jewish Law there was a limiting to 39 lashes. Lashes were given in an arc like pattern by one or a few soldiers, and with periodic shifting of position." - Dr. Preethi Morris 
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​"The damage done through the scourging process took place over the sequence of repeated blows, each one tearing away at skin, tissue, nerves, and blood vessels on the backside, and in measures reaching to the front of the subject depending on the position of flagellation. The metal balls, often comprised of lead, would inflict deep contusions (bruises), and the leather and bone fragments would cut first into the skin and subcutaneous tissue (Edwards (1986)). After skin laceration and bruising took place through the initial blows, capillaries and veins of the skin would be broken. With subsequent blows, debilitating damage would be incurred which may include rib fracture, bruising or puncture of the lung (pneumothorax), puncture of visceral organs such as the liver and spleen, and bleeding in the chest cavity. Eusebius of Caesarea said, “For they say that the bystanders were struck with amazement when they saw them lacerated with scourges even to the innermost veins and arteries, so that the hidden inward parts of the body, both their bowels and their members, were exposed to view” (Ecclesiastical History, Book 4, chap. 15)." - Dr. Preethi Morris 
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"​Profuse bleeding would often occur as large blood vessels, or even arteries, were punctured and began to hemorrhage. If sharp bony fragments were 1 centimeter long and the flagrum was swung with force by a Roman soldier, within 10 blows, depending on the impact, the blood vessels and inner organ systems could be easily exposed. The coronary arteries which traverse the back of the heart could easily be exposed by the blunt force of blows upon a back exposed a few centimeters deep. Deep flagellations, when the flesh had already been penetrated a few centimeters deep, reaching around the arms and neck could easily reach the radial, brachial, subclavian, and carotid arteries. Femoral and iliac arteries are also a few centimeters deep and could be reached with deepening lacerations on the legs and back. Victims were noted to vomit periodically, experience tremors, seizures, profuse sweating, and at times undergo hypovolemic shock through loss of blood and the diaphoresis of exhaustion. (Davis, 1997)" - Dr. Preethi Morris 
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"The process was intended to greatly weaken its subject through severe wounding and bleeding. It is reported that subjects of scourging at times underwent syncope, or suddenly died of vasovagal cardiac arrest (Retief (2003)). When blood loss through arterial rupture was profound, the subject would likely undergo hypovolemic shock. Scourging is considered by historians as a normal practice prior to crucifixions (Habermas (2021), Nicolaides (2019), Snedecor (1973)). According to Gospel accounts, Jesus Christ was scourged prior to the release of the criminal Barabbas by Pilate just prior to his crucifixion (Matt. 27:26, Mk. 15:15, Jn. 19:1).” – Dr. Preethi Morris 
As the empire of Rome expanded through war and conquest, their grip on the people under their rule was strong because of such brutal forms of punishment. However, when this torture device was turned upon the Christians of the Early Church, things didn’t turn out as the heathen expected. 
“Christian martyrs in Smyrna were so torn by the scourges that their veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles, sinews, even entrails, were exposed.” (Westminster Dictionary of the Bible page 538)

“…others were scourged till their sinews and veins lay bare, and after suffering the most excruciating tortures that could be devised, they were destroyed by the most terrible deaths.” (Foxe’s Book of Martyrs) 
Even a brief survey of martyrdom in history reveals the winner of this conflict (for more details see the historical accounts of martyrdom recorded in the former section). Without controversy, Rome easily conquered heathen criminals with the scourge, but it had no power to conquer Christianity! This begs the question: What really happened to Jesus Christ at the hands of Rome? While employing the same tactics of brutality and torture, Rome dominated the heathen and was defeated by Christianity. Therefore, what could Rome possibly do to the Champion of Christianity? What Rome did to heathen criminals is one thing, and what Rome couldn’t do to Christian martyrs is another thing; furthermore, what Rome did & didn’t do to Christ is something else altogether. 
“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above…” - John 19:11
The power of Rome over heathen criminals through acts of violence needs no explanation (Rom. 13:1-7). Contrastingly, the victorious testimony of Christianity over Rome has been explained in the pages of history; namely, how even the most horrendous forms of torture and death failed to silence the songs of rejoicing coming from cheerful martyrs! Nevertheless, no such behavior was seen in Jerusalem on the day that Jesus of Nazareth was seized, tortured, and killed. Therefore, let the eyes of earnest inquirers look with fascination upon the Man at the block in Jerusalem who suffered an unprecedented scourging at the hands of Roman soldiers. 
“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.” – Isa. 50:6 (Mk. 10:34) 
As two Roman soldiers take turns flogging the Son of God in rapid succession, one on the right side and the other on the left…what do you see? According to the eyewitness accounts, Jesus Christ was emotionally stricken with unspeakable sorrow and agony during the whole ordeal, from Gethsemane to Calvary (Isa. 53). Literally, the Evangelists never recorded even one moment of joy or rejoicing at all: not even one word or facial expression of any semblance of happiness. Why? Isaiah foresaw this very moment at the scourging block through prophecy, when the Messiah said, “I gave My back to the smiters” (Isa. 50:6). Isaiah bore witness to the fact that not even the Roman scourge was capable of submerging the Son of God into the throes of sorrow and agony. Had it not been that the LORD, Jehovah, was doing the smiting, then things would have been different. 
“…I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” – Matt. 26:31 (Mk. 14:27, Jn. 8:28-29, 16:32; Zech. 13:7)

“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.” – Isa. 53:5 (1 Pet. 2:24; see Lk. 23:16, 22)

“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; [Jehovah] hath put [Christ] to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin…” – Isa. 53:10

“Sooner than He would tarnish His Justice, He bound His only-begotten Son to the pillar and scourged and bruised Him! Sooner than sin should go unpunished, He put that sin upon Christ and punished Him – oh, how tremendously and with what terrific strokes! Christ can tell you, but probably if He did tell you, you could not understand all that God thinks about sin, for God hates it, loathes it and must and will punish it! And upon His Son He laid a tremendous, incomprehensible weight, till the griefs of the dying Redeemer utterly surpassed all our imagination or comprehension!” – C.H. Spurgeon, Christ Made Sin
Physically speaking, in the process of smiting - the scourge increasingly bruised and wounded the subject with cutting lacerations, as stripes across the body. However, the Son of God was not beaten by mere men. Marvelously, the bruises, wounds, and stripes inflicted upon the body of Christ were directly coming from the Father as the wielder of the scourge. Therefore, the situation at the scourging block should be viewed as a spiritual arena where the Father was immediately present in the act, as one who possessed the power to transcend both the men and angels at work in real time, making the situation infinitely more profound than anyone realized. This was a breathtaking event that deserves some pause. For, as the hand of the Father bore down upon the body of Jesus Christ, blow by blow, audible cries could be heard erupting from the tormented body and soul of the Son of God. 
“Every sin that we have ever committed made a gory furrow upon His precious back! Those black and blue bruises that alternate upon His sacred shoulders were caused by the cruel scourging to which each of us contributed our share by our transgressions.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Majesty in Misery 
The Romans were masters at tormenting and killing men in a way that brings about the maximum amount of suffering possible before they expired in death. The torturers and executioners were capable of making the hardest of men howl for mercy! It was not uncommon for the toughest and most terrible sinners to weep tears while gnashing their teeth in sorrow. Nevertheless, how much more terrible would the experience become when the wrath of God overshadowed the soldiers of Rome and enforced upon the body of a Man the stripes of eternal anger? One must look beyond Rome to spiritually see the Passion of Jesus Christ in these awful moments at the scourging block. 
“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the Tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Pet. 2:24
Remember, Rome couldn’t even cast down the countenances of the tender and weak saints of history who died a martyr’s death in times of persecution. Instead of begging for mercy from the executioners, these courageous believers pitied them as murderers and prayed for their forgiveness. Cheerfulness could be seen flashing throughout the dark exercise. Instead of howling in shear misery, their cries were mixed with shouts of joy and songs of worship until they went unconscious. Indeed, if the power of the scourge conquered heathen criminals, but it had no power to conquer Christians, what power could it enforce upon the Son of God? In reality, howbeit invisibly, a greater power was at work in the Passion of Jesus Christ. The power of divine condemnation immersed the Son of God in sorrow and agony (Rom. 8:3)! 
“And I say unto you My friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into Hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.” – Luke 12:4-5

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” – Matt. 10:28
If Rome could crush society’s criminals through torture and hereby submerge them in sorrow, making them regret their crimes and loath their existence, how much more capable is God at making sinners feel thus in the afterlife? Surely, you have heard it said: “…there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, Lk. 13:28). No torture on earth could compare to that of Hellfire (Matt. 18:8-9)! Even so, how much more capable is God at making Jesus Christ feel sorrow at the scourging block in Jerusalem? 
“In His body there were the wounds, and the fever which the wounds produced. And in His soul there was an exceeding heaviness even unto death, and an agony which no tongue can tell, for we have no words in which to speak of it. We believe that this agony was commensurate with the agonies of the lost in Hell. Not the same agony, but an equivalent for it. And remember, not the equivalent for the agony of one, but an equivalent for the Hells of all that innumerable host whose sins He bore – condensed into one black draught to be drained in a few hours. The miseries of an eternity without end, miseries caused by a God infinitely angry because of an awful rebellion – and these miseries multiplied by the millions for whom the Man Christ Jesus stood as Covenant Head. What a draught was that, men and Brethren! Well might it stagger even Him!” – C.H. Spurgeon, Christ – Perfect Through Sufferings 
God, the Creator, is also a destroyer (Gen. 6:5-7; Lk. 17:26-30). The LORD who gives life also kills (Deut. 32:39, Ps. 68:20). The maker of Heaven’s unapproachable light is also the creator of Hell’s gross darkness (1 Tim. 6:16; Isa. 45:6-7)! The builder of Paradise is also the sustainer of Hell. The giver of mercy is also the enforcer of justice (1 Jn. 1:9). El-esh-oklah, God the Consuming Fire, is the One who keeps Hell burning forever and ever. Literally, Hell is hot because God is there! God is angry with sinners and meets them in Hell for the enforcing of divine justice for an eternity (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 14:10-11). Even so, the divine wrath that powers Hell was poured out on Jesus Christ – blow by blow it was spiritually felt through the scourge!
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
What do you think about the “stripes” of Jesus Christ? Is there no healing balm in Gilead? Hurting sinners should look here in deep reflection upon the word, “by whose stripes ye were healed.” (Isa. 53:5, 1 Pet. 2:24). Not enough attention is given to all that happened from Gethsemane to Calvary, and due emphasis is made in Scripture to direct the eyes of believers here to the scourging block in Jerusalem. This is an important episode in the ongoing work of Atonement that would soon be finished on the Cross. 

Remember, without even a scratch upon the body of Jesus Christ, the Son of God almost died under a crushing sense of divine wrath in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sorrow, travail, grief, agony, and heaviness that moved the Son of God to strongly cry with tears in the Garden of Gethsemane only continued unto this very moment, at the scourging block, as divine wrath was much more intensified in what was taking place (Isa. 53:3, 10, 11, Matt. 26:37-38, Heb. 5:7)! Blood through Hematidrosis was shed in Gethsemane. Yes! But much more blood was shed at the scourging block! Therefore, let all believers everywhere listen and hear, perhaps for the very first time, the loud outcries of passion that were sounding forth as the scourge lacerated the body of the Son of God and made His precious blood to pool upon the ground. 
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” - John 5:25
Salvation isn’t cheap! The forgiveness of sinners was bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. Let the sound of these cries create faith in your heart, as you realize how divine justice is hereby satisfied. Contrastingly, the everlasting torment of thirty billion sinners in Hell cannot ever satisfy the justice of God, nor solicit any compassion from the heart of the Father, so that the fires of eternal torment continue to burn without intermission for ever and ever! Literally, the eternal cries of billions in a constant roar of unquantifiable volume cannot ever quiet divine anger, nor reduce the force of divine wrath, even for a moment, for a timeless eternity (Prov. 30:15-16)! Clearly, this is because there is no merit in the sound of tormented sinners as they are crying in the afterlife. However, in this respect, the cries of Jesus Christ while chained to the scourging block in Jerusalem were louder than the billions that echo in the vast domain of Hell! For, the meritorious cries of this most precious and royal Man were able to silence the thunder of Heaven and bow the heart of the Father (Heb. 12:24). 
“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

Jehovah lifted up His scourge,
O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast sore smitten of Thy God;
There’s not one stroke for me.
Thy tears, Thy blood, beneath it flowed;
Thy bruising healeth me.
 
The tempest’s awful voice was heard,
O Christ, it broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward,
It braved the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred;
Now cloudless peace for me. 
Just one glimpse of Jesus Christ is able to save the vilest of sinners (Isa. 45:22)! Considering the circumstances, we know exactly why the Roman soldiers were so furious in the scourging process, insomuch that they marred the visage of the Son of God more than any other man (Isa. 52:14). What an astonishing sight! This marring speaks of how the physical appearance of Jesus Christ was distorted through an overspreading of bruises, wounds, and stripes all over the body, and especially the shoulders, back, buttocks, and legs, not excluding the front of the body. This marring does not speak of the depth of the lacerations inflicted upon the body, because many men were cut so deep that they died at the scourging block. In other words, Jesus Christ was bruised, wounded, and stripped until He was visibly unrecognizable! Can you imagine it? Behold, the broken body of Jesus Christ! This is where it happened. Nevertheless, upon being unchained from the scourging block, the Son of God courageously stood to His feet and walked out of that place, even though the skin and flesh of his body were utterly destroyed. 
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” – 1 Cor. 11:23-24
If so much as a scratch or dent is made on the cherished vehicles of Americans, the owners keenly recollect the exact location, surroundings, and seriousness of the damage. The hearts of the same are stricken with pain and remorse to see the beauty of their vehicles tarnished even just a little bit. Meanwhile, there are millions of so-called “Christians” in America who can’t remember (nor do they have the desire to learn about) the scratches, cuts, bruises, wounds, and stripes upon the body of Jesus Christ. No wonder! Unbroken hearts don’t have time to think about the broken body of Jesus Christ.

If you don’t ever think about it nor will you ever remember it. According to John 19:36, not a single bone in the body of Jesus Christ was broken! Quoting from Psalm 34:20, John was making the point that Jesus was the Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:46). This begs the question: What could Jesus possibly be speaking about in 1 Corinthians 11:23-24? Foremost of all, our Lord is calling us to remember how His body was broken-up with bruises, cuts, wounds, and stripes from front to back, on His upper body and lower body, so that His image was marred to the point that He was unrecognizable! Therefore, the broken body of Jesus illustrates how His skin, capillaries, veins, and flesh were sorely broken and mangled. The body of this sinless Man was hurt for our healing (1 Pet. 2:24).

Now we must turn our attention to the ongoing episodes of intensifying divine wrath, culminating in the Cross; and, as you will soon see, Jesus Christ had a sound mind until the very end. This means that the Son of God never succumbed to shock through blood loss as a result of the scourge. Nor did the Crucifixion bring about death through suffocation. Rather, while exhibiting consciousness and coherency to the very end, Jesus Christ died of a broken heart as He suffered Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy. 
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The 2nd Appearance Before Pilate

4/23/2023

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Article #11 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

(Matt. 27:15-19, Mk. 15:6-10, Lk. 23:13-16, Jn. 18:33-40)
Contextual Details for Harmonizing the Gospels: Even though Matthew, Mark, & John overlook Jesus’ appearance before Herod, Matthew and Mark signal a break in the storyline of the 1st appearance before Pilate using the word, “Now”, as demonstrated in Matt. 27:15 & Mk. 15:6, thus indicating a transition to the forthcoming events of the 2nd appearance before Pilate (Note: the “Now” recorded in Matthew and Mark correlates with the “But” in John 18:39). Matthew reveals exactly what caused Pilate to turn aside from judging and condemning Jesus in the 2nd appearance, suddenly motivating him to question Jesus in private conversation according to Matt. 27:19. John gives a description of the physical territory to make sense of how Pilate and Jesus had a private conversation away from the multitude in John 18:28-29, while explicitly referencing the beginning of a new conversation as a subsequent interrogation in a different location in John 18:33. Pilate’s final decision to chastise Jesus by the scourge in an attempt to liberate Him was made during the conversation that is recorded in the 2nd appearance according to Luke 23:16-17, hence the parenthetical statement.
There was nothing the Jews could do but bring the Messiah back to Pilate. Apparently, Herod and Pilate had some private communication about this matter, which is why the Scripture says that they became friends. For the first time ever they were in agreement together in opposition to the Jews, and on such a controversial and consequential judgment. 
“And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.” – Lk. 23:12 
Pilate was determined to leverage this unity of judgment to his advantage hoping to dissuade the Jews from their murderous agenda. This is why Pilate emphasized that neither he nor Herod found Jesus worthy of death in Luke 23:13-16. However, to further appease the Jews, Pilate was purposed to “chastise” the Messiah in a scourging. The fury of the crowd made Pilate think that there was no other recourse. 
“And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him.” – Lk. 23:13-16
Each Gospel adds more detail to the exchange that took place between Pilate and the Jews. At some point the multitude began to insist upon the annual release of a prisoner. In fact, Pilate’s offer to release Jesus was made in reference to a customary release that everyone was expecting. The parenthetical statement in Luke 23:17 indicator of this custom. Nevertheless, the governor was clearly frustrated with the people’s behavior of noncompliance. Therefore, to spite them, he mockingly said, “Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” (Mk. 15:6). This was a provocative question to the Jews because they were envious of the fame and influence of Jesus Christ. 
“Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.” – Mk. 15:6-10
An increasingly loud and chaotic pressure campaign was being steadily applied by the Jews. This eventually made the difference in the impasse. The ability of the Chief Priests to stir up the multitude to cry aloud their demands in unison was key to their diabolical success. However, simultaneously, Pilate was also feeling pressure contrarywise from a very unlikely source: the wife. 
“Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” – Matt. 27:15-19
This surprising interruption further complicated things for Pilate. A sudden message coming in from the wife, right when Pilate took “the judgment seat”, was certainly unusual. For, this seat indicates that the governor was about to make a final decision. She knew exactly what Pilate was about to do at the judgment seat, as she was overlooking the noisy and troublesome affair going on in the courtyard from her own vantage point in the palace. Remember, the judgement seat was located in the hall, which was inside the palace, in a separate place from the multitude only because the Jews refused to come inside on the Passover (John 18:28). Perhaps this interruption compelled Pilate to deliberate further, and thus he decided to make a second attempt at hearing from Jesus in private conversation. 
“Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My Kingdom is not of this world: if My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My Kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a King then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.” - John 18:33-38
Undoubtedly, Pilate was interested in his own personal preservation more than anything. Therefore, one question was of the utmost concern to him: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” (Jn. 18:33). However, in the midst of it all, a sense of justice was compelling the governor to ask Jesus, “what hast thou done?” (Jn. 18:35). Pilate probably felt some sense of pity for Jesus as an innocent Man. Nevertheless, when the governor gazed into the eyes looking back at him, while standing face to face with the Son of God, Pilate was struck with the feeling that he was the one being countenanced with pity. Perhaps this is what caused the Messiah to speak more openly to Pilate on this occasion, when before the Son of God remained silent. 
“It was a good confession for the Nazarene, clothed in the common smock frock of a Galilean peasant, with gory sweat still upon His brow, with the ropes that bound Him still about His wrists, with the howling savagery of His countrymen behind Him, to say to Pilate, ‘I am a King.’” – C.H. Spurgeon, The King in Pilate’s Hall
The Lord plainly declared that He was indeed a King! However, Jesus explained to Pilate that His Kingdom was not currently a threat to the sovereignty of Rome because it was not of this world. Then the Messiah shifted the conversation to the one thing that both the Jews and Gentiles desperately needed: the Truth. In bewilderment, Pilate responded with the question, “What is truth?” (Jn. 18:38), and then he abruptly ended the conversation. No wonder. The most powerful men in the world were made to feel weak and vulnerable in the presence of the Son of God, because the divine words being uttered were penetrating to the human heart. 
“But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.” - John 18:39-19:1
Finally, this episode of deliberation on Pilate’s part ended with a command to scourge Jesus; and were it not that the crowd outside was unrelenting in its demands, not even this would have been ordered by the governor. 
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The 1st Appearance Before Pilate & Herod

4/23/2023

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Article #9 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

(Matt. 27:1-2, 11-14, Mk. 15:1-5, Lk. 23:1-7, Jn. 18:28-32)
​Contextual Details for Harmonizing the Gospels: The Evangelists work together to provide clarity on the number and order of the various appearances before Pilate. Lacking the testimony of even one Evangelist will result in the confounding of the testimony of them all. Matthew and Mark do not clearly delineate between the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd appearances before Pilate, without the clarity provided by the other Evangelists. Luke makes a clear and undeniable delineation between the 1st & 2nd appearances before Pilate, because evidently Jesus appeared before Herod in the midst. However, Luke does not clearly delineate between the 2nd & 3rd appearances before Pilate, without the clarity provided by the other Evangelists. John makes a clear and undeniable delineation between the 2nd & 3rd appearances before Pilate, because evidently Jesus was scourged and crowned with thorns in the midst. However, John does not clearly delineate between the 1st & 2nd appearances before Pilate, without the clarity provided by the other Evangelists. Conclusively, all things become manifest with a close analysis of each testimony. Only then will those things deemed obscure become crystal clear. Matthew gives a clear account of the 1st appearance in that Jesus “never” answered Pilate “a word” more than, “Thou sayest”, in Matthew 27:1-2 & 11-14. Mark further confirms this account in Mark 15:1-5. Luke does the same while giving further details on how this 1st appearance was abruptly interrupted in Luke 23:1-7. John overpasses various details of the 1st appearance contained in the other Gospels in John 18:28-32, and instead focuses more on the 2nd & 3rd appearances.
“The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” - Acts 3:13-15 
Pilate’s determination to liberate Jesus is a little-known fact about the plot of the crucifixion story. However, this further confirms the message of the Gospel in the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Evangelists made it abundantly clear that Jesus could have easily thwarted the whole endeavor, especially because Pilate was actively attempting to free the Man. This was no secret. Pilate was publicly resisting the Jews in their conspiracy.

Considering the circumstances, from an earthly perspective, it would have required very little effort for our Lord to seize upon His own freedom. Therefore, Pilate was sorely amazed that Jesus Christ would remain silent at such a time; literally, not one word was uttered in the Messiah’s first appearance before Pilate.

Immediately, at sunrise, while the Son of God sat in prison, the Chief Priests and Elders assembled once again to devise a plan for the day (Matt. 27:1-2, Mk. 15:1; Isa. 53:8). They didn’t have much time. In ≈6 hours after dawn, at about 12 Noon, Jesus Christ will be crucified on the hill of Calvary. Therefore, a lot happened in a little amount of time. The rapid succession of events that took place speaks volumes about the Gospel.

Apparently, the Sanhedrin lacked the power of capital punishment while under Roman rule, so the Jews had to appeal their case to the governor named Pontius Pilate (Jn. 18:31). The Jews were determined to do whatever it takes to put the Son of God to death. They amassed a huge multitude to be with them as they delivered Jesus to Pilate at the judgment hall. This will prove to be critically important in the outcome of events from an earthly perspective (Matt. 27:24). 
“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.” – Lk. 23:1

“Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.” – Jn. 18:29-30

“And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.” – Lk. 23:2
Pilate had a reputation of brutality and violence when he deemed it necessary (Lk. 13:1). The Jews knew the red lines of Rome. As a heathen man, and a pagan idolater, Pilate was appointed to protect and secure the interest of the Roman Empire. Therefore, the Jews were hoping to provoke a response from Pilate by saying that Jesus forbade the people from paying tribute to Caesar (Lk. 23:2). The Jews had been trying to frame Jesus of this crime for years (Matt. 22:15-22, Mk. 12:13-17, Lk. 20:19-26). 
“And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” – Matt. 27:11-14

“And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.” – Mark 15:2-5

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” – Isa. 53:7

“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” – Jn. 1:12
Undoubtedly, the fame of Jesus had reached the ears of Pilate a long time before this point. Therefore, the governor was likely both curious and cautious when stepping away from the courtyard to begin privately interrogating the Man. Surprisingly, in such a precarious situation, the famed teacher and miracle worker remained silent. Neither the Jews nor the Romans expected this kind of behavior from Jesus of Nazareth, seeing that He was “a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people” (Lk. 24:19). They marveled greatly to behold the quietness of a bold, defiant, and unparalleled Orator. Furthermore, no prisoner had ever shown such disregard for his own life like Jesus of Nazareth. However, much to the dismay of the Jews, Pilate went away convinced that Jesus committed no crime worthy of death. 
“Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.” - Luke 23:4-7
The Jews wouldn’t take no for an answer. They waxed even louder in their accusations as a response to Pilate’s judgment of innocence. Nevertheless, Pilate would go on to demonstrate a remarkable resolve to let the Messiah go free; but more than anything the governor selfishly desired to be free from the entanglement of the whole affair. Therefore, when the opportunity arose for Pilate to commit Jesus to the jurisdiction of Herod, he seized upon it hoping to be done with it. 

King Herod, The Edomite (the Son of “Herod the Great”)

(Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 8:15, Luke 13:31-35, 23:8-12)
The excitement of Herod quickly turned sour when he realized that Jesus wasn’t going to entertain him with miracles. Even upon questioning the Messiah with “many words”, Herod was sorely displeased in that Jesus “answered him nothing” (Lk. 23:9). Meanwhile, the Chief Priests and Scribes could be seen standing by and “vehemently” accusing Jesus before Herod all to no avail! 
“And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.” – Luke 23:8-11
Herod the Edomite and the Pharisees didn’t get along. Herod ended up taking vengeance on Jesus for the dishonorable conduct rendered to him by commanding the men of war to dress the Son of God in “a gorgeous robe” as they all mocked Him (Lk. 23:11). Then, perhaps just to spite the Jews, Herod dismissed Jesus from the court as an innocent Man. 
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    The Passion of Christ

    Article #1: ​The Passion of Jesus Christ According to Charles Spurgeon 

    Article #2: ​The Unshakable Rock of Our Salvation: Even the Most Uncommon & Deadly Circumstances Couldn't Trouble the Son of God

    Article #3: Historical Accounts of Martyrdom Compared to the Passion of Jesus Christ

    Article #4: The Passion Began in the Garden of Gethsemane 

    Article #5: Hematidrosis: "Exceeding Sorrowful Even Unto Death" - Matt. 26:38 

    ​    Article #6: Gethsemane to Calvary: The Passion of Jesus Christ from Beginning to End

    ​    Article #7: The Arrest: Conspiracy, Secrecy, & Betrayal 

    ​    Article #8: The Condemnation of the Jewish Court of Judgment 
    ​
    ​    Article #9: The 1st Appearance Before Pilate & Herod 

    Article #10: The 2nd Appearance Before Pilate 

    Article #11: The Scouring 

    ​    Article #12: The Crown of Thorns 

    Article #13: The 3rd Appearance Before Pilate: The Condemnation of Rome 

    Article #14: Carrying the Cross to the Hill of Calvary 

    ​    Article #15: The Crucifixion: The Spectacle of Ages 

    ​    Article #16: The Cup of Wine & Myrrh

    Article #17: Being Stripped Naked 

    ​    Article #18: The Darkness: Its Origin, Power, Presence, & Meaning 

    ​    Article #19: The Cross of Rome 

    Article #20: Beholding the Cross of Rome & Seeing Jehovah's Tree

    Article #21: The Doctrine of the Tree 

    ​    Article #22: Abraham & Isaac on Mount Calvary in the Land of Moriah 

    ​    Article #23: The Lamb of God as a Burnt Offering

    ​    Article #24: God will Provide Himself a Mediator as a Sacrifice for El-esh-oklah 

    ​    Article #25: The Most Famous Manifestation of Divine Wrath in the Law Being Satisfied at the Tree

    Seeing Christ in a Theater of Typology 

    Article #1: The Mediator of the Old Testament 

    ​    Article #2: The High Priest of the Old Testament 

    ​    Article #3: The Gospel of Habakkuk 

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