Before Jesus took up the Cross, he was interrogated in the Jewish court. The chief priests and the whole assembly accused Jesus with false witnesses but they didn’t find any reason to put Jesus to death. (Mark 14:55-59) Finally, the high priests asked Him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. Then the high priest tore his clothes and asked “Why do we need any more witnesses?” “You have heard this blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they struck him with their fists and beat him. (Mark 14:61-65)
In those days, the Jews had no authority to execute so they led him away and handed him over to Pilate. But Pilate found in him no grounds for the death penalty so he tried to release Jesus. However, He handed Jesus over to be crucified because he was afraid that the Jews would riot. Eventually, Jesus was flogged with an iron-tipped whip so his flesh was torn and He suffered cruelly. Jesus was crucified after they put a purple robe on Him and twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him and mocked Him because He was the Son of God.
Why did the Son of God suffer such a terrible hardship? It’s because He wanted to save our souls from hell by taking up our sins that we committed.
Therefore, all we have to say is “Thank you, Lord”. Only those who have the life of Jesus can make a sincere confession. Sinners like us are hit and cursed if they hit and curse us. Jesus could call on His Father, and He could get out of the trouble by calling angels together if He put His mind to it. (Matthew 26:53) Nevertheless, Jesus endured for us, and for me.
The Lord is still patient now. He waits for all mankind to come back to Him by repenting of their sins. He waits for you to repent and come back to Him. That Jesus is patient with us is salvation to us.
Pastor Seok-Jeon Yoon
Extracted from Yonsei Newspaper #661
