By Pastor Dave Holland
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.
They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”
And they said many other insulting things to him. Luke 22:63–65
The Unthinkable Reality
They beat Him—the King of the World. They mocked Him—the Author of life.
This is one of the most difficult scenes in Scripture to absorb. The brutality is brief in description but overwhelming in meaning. The Son of God stood silent while fallen men unleashed their cruelty.
What looks like weakness is, in truth, restrained power.
Heaven Holds Its Breath
I imagine heaven’s armies gathering as the blows fell. Strange and glorious beings mounting chariots of fire, taking up sword and shield, assembling at the edge of eternity. Twelve legions of angels—more than enough to erase the earth in a moment—waiting for a single word from their Commander.
As iron spikes would later be driven through flesh, heaven rumbled.
Michael paced the ranks crying, “Hold!” Gabriel stood ready, trumpet lifted, breath held.
Michael approached the throne. “Father, Your armies are ready to rescue the Son.”
Tears streamed down the Father’s immortal face. He spoke only one word: Wait.
Mocked by the Blind
The guards jeered, laughing as they struck Him. “Prophesy! Who hit you?”
They did not know who they were mocking. The One they struck was the eternal Son, the One who upholds all things by the word of His power. The hands they would pierce were the same hands that flung galaxies into space.
Men acquainted with death pierced His side, and life itself poured out.
Again Michael pleaded, “Now, Father?”
The engines of heaven roared like thunder.
“No,” the Father said. The Father said, “The time has not yet arrived.”
Love That Would Not Strike Back
Humanity killed Him. The One who spoke and the earth was born died.
He entrusted His spirit into the same hands that once shaped Adam from dust and formed Eve from his side. Heaven fell silent. Swords dropped. Chariots powered down. Angels wept.
It must have seemed impossible. Could the universe continue without Him? Would creation unravel without its Creator?
Then—movement at heaven’s gates.
Victory Hidden in Defeat
Through the gates came Christ—alive. At His side, a multitude no one could count, from every tribe, tongue, and nation. They sang a new song—the song of the redeemed.
The armies that once stood ready for battle now burst into worship.
“Worthy is the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Worthy is He who conquered sin, death, and the grave.”
The Son led His people to the throne. The Father rose in majesty. Heaven hushed as the Ancient of Days surveyed the redeemed.
Then He struck the floor with His scepter and thundered His verdict over all who believe:
“Innocent.”
The Cost of Our Healing
The prophet Isaiah foresaw this moment:
“He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV)
God allowed His Son to be beaten—to absorb the punishment of our disobedience—so we could be forgiven and restored. Jesus carried heartache, mental anguish, and physical suffering so we might be made whole in spirit, soul, and body.
He paid the price.
That is why He is our Savior. That is how He is our Healer.
Dave Holland pastored churches for 38 years before retiring in Destin. This devotional is from his book, “Resurrection Jesus.” You can get a copy of his books from his website, DaveHolland.org, or at Amazon.com. Pastor Dave is available to preach and teach at churches and conferences. Contact him at DavidvHolland54@gmail.com.
