Daily Devotions
A Disturbing Scene
Reading for November 2nd: Luke 21-22
Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" And they said many things against him, blaspheming him.
Luke 22:63-65
This scene is disturbing on many different levels. First, there is the brutality of it. I've never witnessed something like this first hand, but I've seen mobs beat a defenseless victim on TV. I can't understand how people could find pleasure in doing this, even if the victim somehow "deserved" the beating.
But we're not looking at a man who deserved this. Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). He comforted the brokenhearted. He welcomed the rejects. He loved children. He preached good news to the poor. He even showed compassion for his enemies.
More than that, what gets me about this whole scene is that the Creator is willingly allowing his creation to abuse him in this way. Explain that if you can! It's beyond comprehension. This is a God I cannot understand.
What can we say to you, Lord God and Father, our Creator, to express our love and gratitude? We are unworthy! We bow down in worship!
