Topical Bible: Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Spit on and Scourged: Fulfilled

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The prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering, including being spit on and scourged, are significant in the biblical narrative, highlighting the depth of humiliation and pain that the Savior would endure. These prophecies, found in the Old Testament, are fulfilled in the New Testament accounts of Jesus Christ's passion.

Prophetic Scriptures:

1. Isaiah 50:6 · "I offered My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting."

This passage from Isaiah is a poignant prophecy that speaks of the suffering servant who willingly submits to humiliation and physical abuse. The imagery of offering one's back to be beaten and not hiding from spitting is a vivid portrayal of the Messiah's submission to suffering.

2. Isaiah 53:5 · "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

While this verse does not explicitly mention spitting, it underscores the physical suffering and scourging that the Messiah would endure. The "stripes" refer to the wounds inflicted by flogging, a common Roman punishment.

Fulfillment in the New Testament:

1. Matthew 26:67 · "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him."

During the trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is subjected to mockery and physical abuse, fulfilling the prophecy of being spit upon. This act of spitting is a profound sign of contempt and rejection, aligning with the prophetic imagery in Isaiah.

2. Matthew 27:26 · "Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified."

The scourging of Jesus is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:5. The Roman flogging was a brutal punishment that left deep wounds, referred to as "stripes," which aligns with the prophetic description of the suffering servant.

3. Mark 15:19 · "Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they worshiped Him."

This account from Mark's Gospel further emphasizes the fulfillment of the prophecy, as Jesus is repeatedly spit upon and mocked by the Roman soldiers. The act of spitting, combined with the physical abuse, highlights the depth of humiliation that Jesus endured.

Theological Significance:

The fulfillment of these prophecies in the life of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian understanding of His role as the suffering Messiah. The acts of being spit on and scourged are not merely historical events but are seen as integral to the redemptive work of Christ. They demonstrate His willingness to endure the utmost humiliation and pain for the sake of humanity's salvation. The prophetic and fulfillment narratives together underscore the divine plan and purpose in the suffering of Christ, affirming His identity as the prophesied Savior who bears the sins of the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 14:65
And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 19:1
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in him ... pregnant with the deepest meaning
respecting the counsel ... Christ represents himself, moreover, as being not ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

part ii
... who is accustomed to give account of his life at ... give an answer at the terrible
judgment-seat of Christ. ... here instituted, in order that we, being cleansed and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm