ing-stock by the Koman soldiers. They " clothed Him with purple" in derision, and put " a crown of thorns" on His head, in mockery of his kingdom. " They smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him/' as one utterly contemptible, and no better than " the filth of the world." (1 Cor. iv. 13.)
And why was this ? It was that we, vile as we are, might have glory, honor, and eternal life through faith in Christ's atonement. It was done that we might be received into G-od's kingdom with triumph at the last day, and receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Thirdly, we see Jesus stripped of His garments and crucified naked before His enemies. The soldiers who led Him away " parted His garments, casting lots upon them."
And why was this ? It was that we, who have no righteousness of our own, might be clothed in the per- fect righteousness that Christ has wrought out for us, and not stand naked before Grod at the last day. It was done, that we, who are all defiled with sin, might have a wedding-garment, wherein we may sit down by the side of angels, and not be ashamed.
Fourthly, we see Jesus suffering the most ignominious and humiliating of all deaths, even the death of the cross. It was the punishment reserved for the worst of male- factors. The man on whom it was inflicted was counted accursed. It is written, " Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." (Gal. iii. 13.)
And why was this ? It was that we, who are born in sin and children of wrath, might be counted blessed for Christ's sake. It was done to remove the curse which
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we all deserve because of sin, by laying it on Christ. " Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." (Gal. iii. 13.)
Fifthly, we see Jesus reckoned a transgressor and a sinner. " With him they crucify two thieves." He who bad done no sin, and in whom there was no guile, " was numbered with the transgressors."
And why was this ? It was that we, who are mise- rable trangressors, both by nature and practice, may be reckoned innocent for Christ's sake. It was done that we, who are worthy of nothing but condemnation, may be counted worthy to escape God's judgment, and be pronounced not guilty before the assembled world.
Lastly, we see Jesus mocked when dying, as one who was an impostor, and unable to save Himself.
And why was this ? It was that we, in our last hours, through faith in Christ may have strong consolation. It all came to pass that we may enjoy a strong assurance — may know whom we have believed, and may go down the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil.
Let us leave the passage with a deep sense of the enormous debt which all believers owe to Christ. All that they have, and are, and hope for, may be traced up to the doing and dying of the Son of God. Through His condemnation, they have acquittal — through His suf- ferings, peace — through His shame, glory — through His death, life. Their sins were imputed to Him. His righteousness is imputed to them. No wonder that St. Paul says, " Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Cor. ix. 15.)
Finally, let us leave the passage with the deepest