Luke 22:54-71
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” It seems a small item (but maybe not) that Luke has Peter’s denial before Caiaphas’ “trial” while Matthew and Mark have that order reversed. It is probably the case that Luke has it more correct. According to my Study Bible the Sanhedrin could not hold a trial until after dawn, in which case Jesus may have been in Caiaphas’ house only as a holding pen. There He could have been questioned informally by the various Jewish leaders who had also gathered there, prior to any formal questioning by the Sanhedrin. Unfortunately, at Caiaphas’ house there was also the opportunity for Him to be spat upon, beaten, and taunted by the guards.
Today is now the third occurrence of Jesus’ being taunted and beaten by the temple officers and guards. I am troubled anew every time I read this, each blow reflecting humankind’s sins from the beginning of our existence. Even more troubling is that these blows are mild compared to the scourging that He will receive from the Roman soldiers. I understand that Jesus had to die for our sins, that His death was the necessary atonement for us to be saved. The only way that I can understand the enormous torture that He received is to imagine that it is His Father’s wrath against sin poured out on His Beloved Son. So troubling…
Slava Bohu!