Read Mark 15:1-47

“The King is in the room!

Come see the scars of love upon His hands.”

HIS NAME IS JESUS by Phil Wickman

“Scourging” or “flogging” is a verb that means to whip or to torture. Scars and death follow.

Flogging happened before every Roman execution, except for women and Roman soldiers. To crucify (15:13) is to put a person to death by being nailed to a cross.

Jesus was flogged with a short whip with several braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls were tied at intervals. For scourging, He was stripped of his clothing – and His hands were tied to an upright post. His back, buttocks, and legs were flogged usually by two soldiers who took turns. The severity of the scourging depended on the mood of these guys and was intended to weaken the victim to a state just short of death. As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the back of Jesus with full force, the iron balls would cause deep bruises, and the leather thongs would cut into the skin and more.

As the flogging continued, the lacerations would become bleeding flesh.  Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for the person to go into shock. After the scourging of Jesus, the soldiers taunted Him. He was insulted by people passing by (v 29), was mocked by the “leaders” (v 31) even by the two criminals who were crucified alongside Him (v 32). But one of the criminals later repented and asked to be a part of Jesus’ kingdom.

What changed this guy’s mind?

“Name another king like this?

Who is this King?”

The Romans did not invent crucifixion but they may have perfected it. As torture and capital punishment, it was designed to produce a slow, painful death with maximum suffering.  It was one of the most disgraceful and cruel methods of execution and usually was reserved for slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, and the worst criminals.

“Who is this King?

His name is Jesus

Light of the world.”

At the site of execution, by law, the victim was given a bitter drink of wine mixed with myrrh (gall) as a mild pain reliever. Jesus tasted it but He refused to drink it (Matt 27:34).

It was common for insects to burrow into the open wounds or the eyes, ears, and nose of the dying and helpless victim, and birds of prey would tear at these sites. Also, it was customary to leave the corpse on the cross to be devoured by predatory animals. A follower of Jesus named Joseph asked Governor Pilate for the body of Jesus. He took it down and wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in the tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one has yet been laid.

“There’s never been a love so great

He died so we could live.”

Are you aware that what happened next is the cornerstone of the Christian faith?

Take a moment and think of Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf. Thank Him and commit to live for Him as a result!

Tom Weckesser

His Name Is Jesus (Live) – Phil Wickham | Harbor Point Worship