Why was the Lord Jesus struck? Why did His sheep scatter? And who is it that strikes Him?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore these questions by looking at Scripture.<\/p>\n
Matthew 26:31 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\u201cThen Jesus said to them, \u2018You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.\u201d\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Here, Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him during His arrest and crucifixion. The phrase \u201cI will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered\u201d is a direct quotation from Zechariah 13:7<\/strong>, a prophecy about the coming Messiah.<\/p>\n Jesus was \u201cstruck\u201d or \u201cpierced,\u201d but not because He sinned He was utterly sinless (see 2 Corinthians 5:21<\/strong>). Rather, this striking was part of God\u2019s divine plan for salvation. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, fulfilling the righteous judgment of God.<\/p>\n As Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)<\/strong> prophesies:<\/p>\n \n\u201cSurely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This passage highlights the substitutionary atonement of Christ He bore the penalty that was rightfully ours. This is essential to Christian theology: Jesus is the Suffering Servant<\/strong> who suffers vicariously<\/strong> for sinners.<\/p>\n The \u201csheep\u201d (Jesus\u2019 disciples and followers) scattered because their Shepherd was struck down. Without their leader present, they were confused, afraid, and vulnerable. This scattering was temporary and fulfilled Scripture, but it also demonstrated the disciples\u2019 human weakness.<\/p>\n Jesus\u2019 words in John 16:19-20 (ESV)<\/strong> reinforce this:<\/p>\n \n\u201cI told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.\u201d<\/em> Jesus did not come to abolish the penalty of sin arbitrarily He came to fulfill it. The justice of God demanded a penalty for sin, but in His mercy, God provided a substitute in Jesus (see Romans 3:25-26<\/strong>). Jesus bore the curse and punishment meant for humanity so that we could be reconciled to God.<\/p>\n This is illustrated by the metaphor of the stone thrown at us, with Jesus stepping in to take the hit. He did not remove the punishment; He endured it on our behalf.<\/p>\n Following His crucifixion, the disciples\u2019 scattering was a real event showing human fear and weakness. But Jesus\u2019 resurrection victory over sin and death restored the scattered sheep and established the church.<\/p>\n Matthew 26:31<\/strong> speaks to this moment of crisis, but the gospel message ultimately points to hope and restoration through Christ.<\/p>\nTheological Significance of Jesus Being Struck<\/h3>\n
Why Did the Sheep Scatter?<\/h3>\n
\nThough they would grieve and feel forsaken, their sorrow would turn into joy after His resurrection.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nJesus\u2019 Role in the Divine Plan<\/h3>\n
The Aftermath<\/h3>\n
\nMaranatha!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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