Sometimes it is useful for us to stop and think about all Jesus went through during his arrest and crucifixion (Isa 52:14-53:12; Matt 26:47-27:56; Mark 14:43-15:41; Luke 22:47-23:49; John 18:1-19:37). One of his very own disciples betrayed him with a kiss, he was abandoned and many turned their backs on him. One of his disciples denied 3 times that he even knew Jesus. He was arrested, bound, blasphemed and given no fair trial. The leaders of the nation he belonged to brought false accusations against him and in envy and hatred stirred up the people to demand his crucifixion. He was slapped, beaten, spat upon, mocked and treated with contempt. Our Jesus was scourged, with flesh torn from his back, his blood shed and his head pierced with thorns. He was condemned to death by a Roman leader that ignored his conscience and yielded his decision to Jesus’ accusers. Finally, he was stripped, nailed to a cross and pierced with a roman spear that caused blood and water to flow out of his side.
But for Jesus the greatest agony was caused by two things: (1) becoming sin for us; bearing our sins, and paying the price for our sins. Our sins marred his face almost beyond recognition (Isa 52:14). (2) Being separated from his Father by sin. Jesus cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; WEB). Jesus endured all of this: “for the joy that was set before him” (Heb 12:2; KJV); for the knowledge of the victory and salvation he would win for us, you and me.