March 18

Then did they spit on his face, and buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands. — Matthew 26:67.

IT is customary, in passing sentence even on the vilest of criminals, to do so with that seriousness and solemnity befitting the occasion. But no sooner was Jesus declared guilty, and condemned to death, than all that was sacred and decent was outraged by those around him. That face, which beamed with all that was heavenly and benign, was grossly spit upon — an indignity of the very vilest description. Thus was fulfilled the prediction of Esaias, "I hid not my face from spitting." 1., 6. Then also they buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands, thus showing the exasperated state of their hearts against him. They also blindfolded him and then tauntingly mocked his prophetical office, by asking who it was that smote him. Here again we perceive a most striking fulfilment of ancient prophecy, "He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him; he is filled with reproach."—Lamentations 3:30. Micah had also predicted that they should "smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon his cheek."—v. 1. How exactly were these Scriptures fulfilled. How astonishing was the conduct of Jesus under these indignities. He reviled them not.—He displayed no wrath—He could easily have struck the whole with instant blindness or death.—Legions of angels at his word would have rushed to his deliverance, and revenged the insults of their Lord.—But in meekness and patience he possessed his soul, and endured all the reproaches and smitings they thought fit to heap upon him. "He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth."—Isaiah, liii. 7. What an exhibition of insulted innocency—of suffering goodness—of inconceivable compassion, that Jesus should so freely and meekly endure the temptations of Satan, the cup of unmingled wrath, and the violence of wicked men, that his very persecutors might have salvation and life through his name.