Why was Jesus beaten so badly?

Isaiah 52:14 declares, “Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.” Jesus suffered most severely throughout the trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew chapter 27, Mark chapter 15, Luke chapter 23, John chapter 19).

As horrible as His physical suffering was, it was nothing compared to the spiritual suffering He went through. 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus had the weight of the sins of the entire world on Him (1John 2:2). It was sin that caused Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). So, as brutal as Jesus’ physical suffering was, it was nothing compared to Him having to bear our sins – and die for our sins (Romans 5:8).

Why did Jesus have to suffer so badly? Some think that Jesus’ physical torture was part of Him being punished for our sins, in our place. To some extent, this is likely the case. At the same time, the torture Jesus underwent speaks more of the hatred and cruelty of humanity than it does of God’s punishment for sin. Satan’s absolute hatred of God and Jesus were surely a part of the motivation behind the relentless torture and abuse. Jesus’ suffering is the ultimate example of how sinful man feels toward a holy God (Romans 3:10-18).

Isaiah chapter 53, verses 3 and 5 especially predict Jesus’ suffering, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 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 wounds we are healed.”

Psalm 22:14-18 is another powerful passage predicted the suffering of the Messiah, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

So, as we see from Scripture, Jesus was destined to this level of punishment long before he came to dwell amoung us. More importantly, one would ask what kind of love would drive a man (God in flesh) to suffer this for me? What was Jesus’ motivation and goal? You can read a great explanation at the following web link:

 

www.greatcom.org/english/four.htm