It is impossible for followers of Jesus to read this passage and not have some sense of outrage.  How dare anybody abuse God the Son, the King of kings and the Saviour of the world!  It is a right reaction.  The graphic descriptions are distressing - violent flogging with metal-tipped whips, long thorns rammed into Jesus’ scalp, fists and wooden poles smashing into His face.  The verbal abuse was full of derision, ridiculing His claim to be King (John 18:37).
 
It was evil, naked evil.  There was no pretence of justice, dignity or respect.  It was as if Satan himself was pouring out his envious venom and enjoying the humiliation of God.  He was.  But Jesus did not fight, was not scared, said nothing and exposed Himself to the worst that sinful human beings could do.  He had chosen the path to the cross and knew what was coming (Luke 24:7).  

However, the punishment was not for Him: He took it instead of us. As Isaiah 53:5-7 say: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed … He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”
 
Although Christians are used to the sign of the cross in churches and as jewellery, the reality is much more shocking.  The death of Jesus was preceded by dreadful violence and vicious abuse which was calculated to bring any man to his knees.  But God planned that Christ’s painful experience should bring us to our knees.  As the old hymn says, "We believe it was for us He hung and suffered there."  What is our response?  It should be worship, thanksgiving and a humble desire to serve Him.  But is it?  Have we forgotten how much punishment Jesus took, willingly, so that we might be forgiven?  It is an important question to ponder today.