“Jesus was put through inhumane and brutal treatment. Why? There were many ways Jesus could have died, but why this way? Why such a torturous death?”
As I was considering what to write this column, a question came to mind, “Why was Jesus’ death so brutal?” I have never really pondered the thought before. I have read stories in the Bible about His death and even preached on them, and saw the whole scene as vicious, but never asked, “Why was it so brutal?” (Image from
godsotherways.com)
Years ago, there was a movie produced that primarily focused on Jesus’ death and it was rated “R,” because of how real the movie made the torture and crucifixion of Jesus. It was gory. The actual historical and biblical account has soldiers spitting in Jesus’ face along with punching and slapping Him. He was stripped down and His back was struck multiple times with a whip containing pieces of bone and metal. This shredded the flesh down to His bones, causing a terribly bloody scene. Afterwards, long and piercing thorns from a tree were woven together to form a fake crown, which was pressed down into Jesus’ skull. He was beaten some more with a wooden stick and forced to carry a long and extremely heavy wooden cross. When He came to a place where He would be crucified, His body was laid down on the cross and nailed to it. One nail in each hand and one through both feet. The three nails kept His body on there for several hours as people milled about mocking, spitting and hurling insults at Him as He slowly inched toward death. Then finally, He died. And just to be sure, soldiers thrusted a spear into His body.
Jesus was put through inhumane and brutal treatment. Why? There were many ways Jesus could have died, but why this way? Why such a torturous death?
Because of the immense wickedness and vileness of sin.
Simply put, the type of death Jesus experienced was to be reflective of how evil sin is.
Read this description about Jesus’ crucifixion, “…he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) Notice the words pierced, crushed, chastisement and wounds. They speak of how awful His death was, because of how awful sin is.
Sin is an invisible curse that indwells the human body and soul of every person. It defiles us. For Jesus once said, “…out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)
And what does God call for in response to this partial list of sins? Death! One must die because of their sin. Jesus’ death was brutal because sin is brutal. It destroys lives and brings about the overwhelming wrath of Almighty God.
Do you see yourself as having this curse of sin within you, and unworthy to receive anything good from God? If not, then it is impossible for you to see the grace and mercy of God in all this suffering and death. Because it was for your dark heart and your disobedience that Jesus endured the cross. He took the brutality so you would not have to.
Where is the hope in the ugliness of the cross? It is that Jesus rose from the dead! He defeated, smashed and conquered the beast of sin. He paid your penalty of death His Father demanded, so you would not have to – that is mercy.
Escape the sentence of eternal death this hour. Receive the mercy heaven is extending to you.
A prayer for you – O wise and marvelous God, thank you for helping us to understand the awfulness of sin. We see our own defiled heart and how unworthy we are. We praise you for Jesus choosing to suffer for us. We turn from our ways and toward you. Change us Almighty God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
