All night long the blessed Lord of glory had been subjected to the vicious abuse of religious leaders who had before plotted His death. Then to this was added the ordeal of a second mock trial before a Roman judge who proclaimed His innocence, yet ordered Him to be scourged, and finally passed the unjust sentence of crucifixion. Roman soldiers then added their hateful abuse of spitting, mockery, and physical injury before finally nailing Him to the cross. The shocking hatred of Jews and Gentiles—whether secular authorities, religious authorities, common people, or even condemned criminals—did not cease to show itself. Even when that patient Sufferer was hanging there, they continued their contemptuous mockery. How clear, although sad beyond measure, is this demonstration of the actual hatred of man’s natural heart toward God!

Indeed, wonderful beyond expression is the lowly grace and patience of the Man of Sorrows. None could understand the calm, quiet dignity with which He bore the injustice of men’s insults and injuries. But deeply as He felt these things, this was to Him as nothing compared to the anguish of His sufferings in darkness from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour. How that cry of abandonment must move every believing heart in its inmost depths! Indeed, it is intended for the entire universe to hear that men might realize that the sinless Lord of glory must Himself bear the curse of the awesome judgment of God in order to make atonement for the guilt of our sins. He has willingly done this in matchless, marvelous love. What a sight to move our hearts in adoring worship!