The Unspoken Truth Behind Human Behavior
A Glimpse into the Darker Side of Humanity
The Roman soldiers’ task was straightforward: execute Jesus on the hill of Golgotha. But they had other plans. They wanted to have some twisted fun first. These strong, well-rested, and armed men surrounded a frail, exhausted Galilean carpenter and mercilessly beat him. The scourging was ordered, the crucifixion was decreed, but who would derive pleasure from spitting on a half-dead man?
The Power of Spite
Spitting isn’t meant to inflict physical harm; its purpose is to degrade and humiliate. It’s a deliberate attempt to diminish another person’s dignity. The soldiers’ actions were a manifestation of their own insecurities, as they sought to elevate themselves by making Christ appear small and insignificant.
A Reflection of Our Own Actions
Have you ever engaged in similar behavior? Perhaps not spitting, but gossiping, slandering, or belittling someone to boost your own ego? Have you ever raised your voice in anger or rolled your eyes in arrogance, making someone feel inferior? If so, you’re not alone. We’ve all been guilty of such actions at some point.
The Surprising Consequences
But here’s the disturbing truth: when we treat others with disdain, we’re essentially treating Jesus with the same contempt. As Matthew 25:40 (NLT) reminds us, “When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Our actions towards others are a reflection of our attitude towards Jesus.
The Beast Within
We may not like to acknowledge it, but there’s a darker side to our nature. A part of us that surprises even ourselves with its capacity for cruelty and malice. The Bible offers a simple yet profound explanation for this phenomenon: sin. And it’s precisely this sin that Jesus chose to carry to the cross, mingling it with his blood and sweat.
The Unconditional Love of Jesus
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jesus declared, “I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6 NIV). He could have commanded angels to remove the spittle, but he chose not to. Instead, he bore the spit of humanity, along with the nails and the sponge. This was his choice, and it’s a testament to the depth of his love for us.
Leave a Reply