FRIDAY.
Christ is Scourged.— I.
I. " Then, therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged Him." (John xix. 1.) He did this cruel act in order that he might satisfy the malice of the Jews, and afterwards set his prisoner at liberty. This sentence was unjust, infamous, and cruel. It was unjust, because it was pronounced against a man whom the judge had pronounced to be innocent. It was infamous, because it was the punishment inflicted on common slaves. It was cruel, for it was purposely inflicted to satisfy the fury of the Jews. Observe, however, how readily and cheerfully Christ accepts of it, saying with the prophet* " I am ready for scourges" (Ps. xxxvii. 18), in order that I may atone for your sins.
II. As soon as the sentence was uttered, the ready soldiers impudently strip Him of all His clothes, and bind Him to a pillar. Imagine the modest shame and virginal blushes of this chaste Lamb of God, when He was thus exposed, all naked, to the eyes of a rude and licentious multitude. Observe with what readiness He stretches out His arms to be bound, without making the least complaint or resistance. During this cruel scene* imagine you hear Him addressing you, " Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart." (Matt. xi. 29.)
III. Ponder the cruelty of this scourging. Ascetics say that the instruments used were of three kinds, viz., thorny rods, sinews of beasts, and chains. His pains were greater in consequence of His being already almost exhausted by His bloody sweat, His ill-usage, restless night, and painful journey that morning. The fury of His tormentors was, besides, increased by the surrounding Pharisees,
