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

Old Testament Prophecies

1. Isaiah 50:6 · The prophet Isaiah provides a vivid depiction of the suffering servant, a messianic figure who would endure great humiliation. The verse states, "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 prophecy highlights the voluntary nature of the servant's suffering, emphasizing his submission to such indignities.

2. Isaiah 53:5 · While not explicitly mentioning spitting, this passage is central to understanding the suffering of the Messiah: "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." The reference to "stripes" is often interpreted as a foretelling of the scourging that Jesus would endure.

New Testament Fulfillment

1. Matthew 26:67 · The Gospel of Matthew records the fulfillment of these prophecies during the trial of Jesus: "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." This account directly correlates with Isaiah's prophecy, illustrating the contempt and physical abuse Jesus faced.

2. Matthew 27:26 · The scourging of Jesus is explicitly mentioned: "So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified." The act of flogging, a brutal form of punishment, aligns with the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant receiving stripes.

3. Mark 15:19 · Mark's Gospel further details the mockery and abuse: "Again and again they struck His head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they worshiped Him." This passage underscores the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah, as Jesus is subjected to both physical and verbal humiliation.

Theological Significance

The prophecies of being spit on and scourged are integral to the understanding of Christ's redemptive work. They reveal the depth of His suffering and the extent of His humility and obedience. By enduring such treatment, Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies and demonstrated His willingness to bear the sins of humanity. These events are not merely historical occurrences but are deeply woven into the theological fabric of salvation, illustrating the cost of redemption and the fulfillment of God's plan as foretold by the prophets.Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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