While there have been people in the past who have been falsely accused, nobody rises to the surface of being unjustly treated in the way that Jesus has been. He was absolutely innocent, not partially so. There could be no fault found in this man. In some form or fashion, all people everywhere are guilty of committing sin before an Almighty God. Nevertheless, it was Jesus Who was treated like a criminal while those who were guilty stood by mocking.
A criminal’s company
As Jesus was delivered over to be crucified, He was placed into the hands of the Roman soldiers. These men were trained killers, and their hearts were cold. In this first portion of the Scripture at hand, the Bible says, “And the soldiers led him away into a hall…” (Mark 15:16). In this way, Jesus was treated like a criminal. His company consisted of men who were payed to escort Jesus to His death.
A criminal’s calling
As the soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, they did so to link up with the other Roman soldiers. Scripture says, “…and they called together the whole band” (Mark 15:16). This band is also referred to as a battalion. This group of soldiers would have consisted of 600 men trained for war.
In this way, Jesus was continually treated like a criminal. He would have been viewed as a rebel against the Roman Empire and one deserving much military focus. But in actuality, we see an innocent Man, a peaceful Man, a Man Who desires reconciliation and not war being led away by an army.
A criminal’s clothing
These soldiers continued to treat Jesus like a criminal. They did not only want to kill Jesus but vented out their wicked hearts in the process. Mark tells of the events when he says, “And they clothed him with purple…” (Mark 15:17). These men shamefully mocked and dressed Jesus in a purple robe.
Purple was recognized as a color that depicted royalty. As Jesus stood before the Roman soldiers, the group of men did not believe that killing the Messiah was enough. Rather, they wanted to shamefully disgrace the One Who came to save them and mocked Him by dressing Him in kingly garments.
A criminal’s crown
However, these garments were not enough in their eyes. The shameful acts continued as the Scripture says, “…and platted a crown of thorns , and put it about his head” (Mark 15:17). The thorns that are being spoken of are not like the thorns that are on rose bushes in America. Instead, these thorns would have been much larger. A crown of these massive thorns would have wrapped together in a circle. This circle of thorns would have been forced onto the head of Jesus until it fit snuggly in place. The thorns themselves may very well have done more than simply scratch His forehead. The Roman soldiers would not have been concerned about taking things easy on Jesus; rather, they most likely would have intentionally jammed the sharp points into His skull.
A criminal’s credentials
As the horrible mistreatment continued, Jesus was mocked with the following gestures and words: “And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!” (Mark 15:18). Little did these soldiers know that they really were saluting the King of the Jews. Even more so, they were saluting the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
While they may have thought that there could be nobody greater than the Roman Emperor himself, the very essence of greatness was actually standing there humbly before them. They called Jesus a king and even saluted the Savior. Nevertheless, it was all done as a shameful act against the God of creation.
A criminal’s consequence
Although they saluted Jesus and called out to Him as a king, their hearts were far from the Messiah. Jesus simply watched and remained quiet as they played their wicked games with Him. As the Scriptures continue, they tell us of how these soldiers began to strike Jesus in the head with a staff. They continue on, and the Scriptures tell us of how they spat on the Savior. Still yet, the Scriptures tell us of how these brutal soldiers continued to treat Jesus like a criminal by sarcastically falling on their knees and bowing before Him as their king.
Jesus was truly treated like an immoral man. The way in which He suffered was as though He was enduring the consequences of a criminal.
A criminal’s crucifixion
Finally, the culminating event in this portion of Scripture takes place. The Bible tells us that after all of this, Jesus was led away to be crucified. As though what these men had done was not enough, Jesus still had to undergo the worst part of it all, humanly speaking: he still had to die a criminal’s death.
Jesus would be pierced in His hands and His feet. He would be hung from a cross on Golgotha’s hill. He would experience excruciating pain. “Ex” = out of; “crux” = the cross. There was no word yet in place to describe the immense pain that was experienced by those who hung on a cross. As a result, the word excruciating was developed. The pain was, to say the least, excruciating.
Jesus died a criminal death and lived his last days on the earth being treated as such. A sign hung from His cross that stated that He was the King of the Jews. This was His charge in the end and the sign that Pilate hung by Him. The world could see what the crime was that Jesus was convicted of, but little did they know, He was being crucified for telling the truth.
Application
Recognize the depths of Jesus’ love for you as you look upon His sufferings. See the degree to which He desired for You to be in a relationship with Him. Know that Jesus did what it took so that you could be saved from your sin, and know that He will continue to do what it takes to keep you.
Final prayer
Father, please help me to see Jesus in His sufferings more clearly. Help me to appreciate all that He went through. Help me to worship You for the cross. Change my heart and turn it to Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.