The abuse and trauma inflicted upon Jesus was horrific. It’s mind blowing that the Creator of the universe surrendered Himself to this subjection. His love and passion to redeem His creation humbles us. The abusers were caught up in the mob mentality and hate of their circumstances. We have seen similar types of group think throughout history and in our own culture. May the Spirit’s presence in our hearts help us discern to never be caught up in the attitude of Roman rule. May we be ambassadors to His kingdom in everything we do and say, treating others with dignity and respect.
“Perhaps the most frightening thing about narcissism’s bite is that it often comes without leaving a physical wound. The trauma inflicted can look like humiliation, hypercriticism, silence, exclusion, affairs, flirtation, jealousy, extreme mood swings, crude jokes, constant jealousy, bargaining for love, guilt, shame, control of finances, sexual manipulation, blame shifting, isolating one from friends and family, threats, boundary violations, and much more.” - Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church
“For the Roman soldiers, Jesus was their scapegoat. He was in a one-down position and one upon whom they could dump their pent-up anger, hostility, and scorn. Roman soldiers represented the authority of an occupying power in a foreign land. As such, they were hated and despised by the Jews whose land they occupied.
Their very presence, a reminder of Rome’s control, was resented. Outside of their garrison, the soldiers had to travel in groups to reduce the risk of attack by a Zealot assassin who believed the only good Roman was a dead Roman. So when they had the so-called king of the Jews in their power, their pent-up hostility was unleashed upon him.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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