When we reflect on the hostility that the Lord experienced, we bow our heads in worship.

He was the One who made all things, and by His power they not only consist but also subsist. Realizing this, how amazing to think that He was judged, abused, and dealt with in such a disgraceful way: the Creator by His own creatures! He came to be the Savior and yet as an infant was hunted down to be killed. Coming to His own, they received Him not.

He was the One who did all things well (Mk. 7:37), and went about doing good (Acts 10:38); yet a thief and a murderer was preferred over Him. The son of the devil (Jn. 8:44), Barabbas—his name really means “son of father”—was chosen to go free over the Son of God. He saved others but Himself He could not save.

He was the One who was perfect, in whom there was no sin, neither was there guile in His mouth; and yet He was insulted and wrongfully condemned even though during the last twelve hours of His life as He went to the cross He was declared innocent by men on at least five occasions. Furthermore, being innocent, God laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:6; 2 Cor. 5:21). The One who is Almighty God allowed nails to be driven through His hands.

He was sealed inside a tomb by the highest human authorities, who feared that, in their eyes, “the last deception will be worse than the first” (Mt. 27:64). God, however, answered by raising the Lord from the dead. The seals were useless, and now His enemies had to deceive the people to try to hide God’s approval of His Son. And God has given Him a name above every name, and seated Him at the right hand of the Majesty on high. May we delight to honor Him, declaring He is worthy!