The High Priest Caiaphas has just asked Jesus directly if he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and for the first time, Jesus has responded. In his response, he has gone way beyond identifying himself as the Messiah. In using the name, “I Am,” Jesus has unequivocally identified himself as being Jehovah God.
Not only that, but Jesus has identified himself as the divine Son of Man who defeats his enemies and brings about the Kingdom of God in the prophecies of Daniel. Plain truth is often met by pure anger, and that is precisely what happens next.
Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
The brutality here is staggering. Consider who the perpetrators are: they are the members of the Sanhedrin themselves, the spiritual leaders and leading theologians of the nation. And amid the violence, it is notable what their main taunt against Jesus is. They continually and mockingly ask him to prophesy. However, he does not. He remains silent.
There are many today who ask Jesus to prophesy to them, while they spit in his face and strike him with their fists. There are many who ask Jesus to prophesy to them while they have blindfolded him, and they think that Jesus doesn’t know what they are doing.
The lesson here is striking. You cannot expect the blessing of God when you are manifesting anger, bitterness, and violence, in all its forms, in your life.
It’s shocking to be confronted with the violence and evil that often lives in the hearts of the most seemingly pious men and women. The ones who did this were the most respected religious leaders of the people. Do you have a problem with anger in your relationships? If you do, get help. Fast. Jesus is waiting to help.