HAD JESUS FLOGGED / MATTHEW 27:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 27:26

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

The Weight of His Wounds: Reflecting on Matthew 27:26

In the progression of Christ’s journey to the cross, we often focus heavily on the crucifixion itself. However, scripture reveals a gauntlet of suffering that preceded Calvary. In Matthew 27:26, we encounter a brief but profoundly heavy sentence: “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”

Though contained in just a few words, this moment marks the fourth stage of Christ’s deep physical suffering. To truly understand the depth of His love, we must look closer at what it meant to be flogged under Roman rule.

The Brutality of the Roman Flogging

Roman flogging was not a simple disciplinary whipping; it was a severe, systemic form of torture designed to bring a human being to the absolute brink of death.

The Position: The victim was stripped completely of their garments, their dignity stripped away first. They were then bound to a stone pillar or bent over a low post with their hands securely tied, completely exposed and unable to defend themselves.
The Instrument: Roman soldiers used a tool called a flagrum—a short wooden handle with multiple leather thongs attached. Interwoven into these leather strips were sharp jagged pieces of bone and heavy weights of lead or iron.
The Execution: Typically, two Roman lictors (soldiers) would stand on opposite sides of the victim. They would alternate blows, striking the back, shoulders, chest, and legs.

With every single strike, the weights would bruise the flesh deeply, and the sharp bones and metal would catch and tear the skin. Historical accounts show that this brutal process quickly reduced human flesh to ribbons. Veins, arteries, and muscle tissue were exposed. In many cases, the lacerations were so deep that internal organs became visible. It was not uncommon for a prisoner to die on the post before ever reaching their execution site.

The Physical Toll on the Way to Calvary

This immense physical trauma explains a pivotal moment later in the narrative. The severe blood loss, muscle tearing, and systemic shock Jesus endured during this flogging is the primary reason He lacked the physical strength to carry His own cross.

When He stumbled under the weight on the way to Golgotha, Roman soldiers were forced to compel Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross beam for Him (Matthew 27:32; Luke 23:26). Our Savior was entirely poured out, His body broken before the nails were even driven into His hands.

Wounded for Our Healing

Why did He endure such agonizing, visceral torture? The answer is found centuries before the Roman Empire ever existed, written by the prophet Isaiah and echoed by the Apostle Peter:

“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.” — Isaiah 53:5 (see also 1 Peter 2:24)

Every stripe laid upon His back was a debt of ours being paid. The punishment that secured our peace with God was absorbed completely by His physical body. When we look at the brutality of Matthew 27:26, we are looking at the literal cost of our grace.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

As we reflect on the painful reality of Matthew 27:26, our hearts are broken by the weight of what You endured. We confess that it was our transgressions that required such a sacrifice, and our iniquities that laid those heavy stripes upon Your back. Thank You for not turning away from the post. Thank You for allowing Your body to be broken so that we could be made whole.

May we never take the peace we have with God for granted. Every time we face temptation, trial, or doubt, remind us of the immense cost of our healing. Let the reality of Your deep love anchor our souls today. We praise You for Your endurance, Your sacrifice, and Your ultimate victory.

In Your holy and precious name, we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace