Matthew 27:27-31
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 27:27-31, try to stay present to your reactions.
Pilate’s feeble attempt to distance himself from the guilt of condemning an innocent man becomes even more farcical when he sends his own bodyguards to mercilessly ridicule and batter Jesus. The soldiers aren’t just carrying out their orders, they seem thirsty for a chance to inflict emotional and physical pain on another person.
The evil delight with which these men torture Jesus is repulsive, but if we look deeper we might find that the source of their savagery is a deep inner anger rooted in hurt.
We live in a broken world and every one of us will both hurt and be hurt many times over the course of our lives. And what we do with our wounds is critical. Burying them under layers of denial or trying to numb the pain of our wounds through any number of channels is fruitless. The wounds are still there, and given the right circumstances they can erupt in anger and even cruelty.
The only way to find healing and wholeness is through the one who endured suffering on our behalf.
Take a few moments to meditate on these words from Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah:
“…it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5
Read Matthew 27:27-31 again.
Get quiet for a while and let all your thoughts settle. Breathe in the name of Jesus and breathe out a one or two-word prayer that expresses whatever you want to say to him right now.
When you feel stilled and centered, consider asking the Holy Spirit to point out an unhealed wound inside you. Then picture yourself in the presence of Jesus and notice what he says or does.
Note: If your wound is especially deep you will most likely need someone wise to walk you through the healing process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor for help.
Is there anything Jesus might be prompting you to do today?
Will you?
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