“The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking Him 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)
Insulting and humiliating the Lord of all creation. Daring to hit the God of the universe. They definitely needed the blindfold. Not so Jesus would not see. Oh no, you can be sure He knew who was hitting Him. He knew who was spitting. He knew who was insulting Him. No. The blindfold wasn’t for Jesus. Maybe they were really hoping that Jesus would not know. It is much easier to strike out at someone when you are anonymous. A blind fold also puts distance between you and the person blinded. It covers their eyes and face and, therefore makes it less personal. I think the soldiers blindfolded Jesus so they didn’t have to look into His eyes while they were having their fun. I don’t think that you could look into Jesus’ eyes and strike Him. I think that seeing His face, even in anger, would cause you to look away. So, if you are going to mock the God who created you today…you better blindfold Him. It will make it easier for you to go your own direction. You could try and convince yourself that He can’t see you. You might even forget who He is that stands there with you. It is easier to hurt someone when you can’t see their eyes and face. “Who is this anyway?” “Who does He think He is?”
Sometimes Jesus makes us uncomfortable. I think these soldiers were. It shows in their behavior. Here is a man that is offering no resistance. He is innocent and they know it. They are uncomfortable so they lash out. Mocking what they don’t understand. Covering the eyes that show forth compassion even in the midst of unfairness. They have to overreact to make themselves feel better about what they are doing. I want to hate these men who are treating my Savior this way but, unfortunately, I think I sometimes treat Jesus with the same disrespect. I usually know when it is happening. I am saying something I should not be saying or doing something I know I should not be doing. The last thing I want to do is look into the face of Jesus. But He is there in my “courtyard”. So, if I want to continue to rebel against Him…I must blindfold Him. Then, my guilt turns to anger. I get defensive and strike out at the very ones who wish to help get me on the right path.
“Oh Lord, the suffering and shame that you endured in the courtyard is painful for me. I cringe when I think about You being beaten, spit upon, and mocked. I am angry but also convicted. I know that I could be in that crowd. I could have been one of those soldiers. In fact, I am guilty of mocking You at times in my life. Please forgive me. I want to take the blindfold away today. I want you to see me. I want to look into Your loving eyes. Thank you, Lord for doing that for me. Thank you for your love and forgiveness. Have your way with me today.”
Blessings.