Moment of Meditation: Shepherd Struck (Matthew 26:31)

''I will strike the Shepherd (Matthew 26:31)''

Stricken. Smitten. Afflicted. No. I'm not bringing Lent back just yet. Still a few months until we once again spend time remembering our Savior's suffering. But as we walk through St. Matthew's Passion narrative, we see that every day is a day to remember our Lord's suffering.

Jesus quotes Zechariah's prophecy of Jesus' betrayal (13:7): "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion."

The sword of God's judgment and justice is preparing to strike Jesus. The torments of Hell were about to be unleashed upon Him. Unleashed because our sin has been unleashed upon the whole world.

Jesus came in the flesh to be struck by God's sword. The only-begotten Son offered Himself to be stricken in your place. He suffered the punishment you deserve. He was struck for you. Struck so that you might feel God's grace. Amen.