Disabled Jesus, part 1b

Progressive Disablement:

I have always been autistic, but I only realised this in 2012. I had a road accident in 2006, which left me physically disabled, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2015 and had a torn shoulder through another accident in 2022. When one or the other flares up, I cope well; two at a time is difficult and when all 4 strike at the same time, it is devastating, leaving me exhausted for days. I’m writing this from bed.

The trial of Jesus shows Jesus becoming progressively disabled during his trial.

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. ² And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. ³ They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.

John 19:1-3 ESVUK

During the Passion, Jesus is treated with brutality, suffering physical trauma that progressively disables him, leading to complete dependency on others, like Simon of Cyrene, carrying his cross.

“Pilate flogged him,” says John’s Gospel. Literally, from the Greek of John’s Gospel, that flogging was a scourging, a scourge being a really brutal form of whip with several thongs with pieces of metal stome and bone tied into the thongs. It would tear pieces of flesh from the back of its victims. The Romans were known for their brutality.

From the point of view of a disabled person, it gives these insights:

Solidarity in Suffering: 

Jesus’ physical torture, his scourging, mocking, crucifixion, means He understands physical pain, weakness, and the vulnerability of the body.

Rejection of “Sin-Cause” Beliefs: 

Jesus actively corrected the notion that disability is a result of sin or wrongdoing. His suffering shows that a broken body is not a sign of divine displeasure.

Redefining Strength: 

The cross transforms a symbol of torture into one of hope, allowing disabled Christians to see their bodies not just as places of confinement, but of divine presence.

Valued Membership: 

Jesus’ ministry included healing, but his ultimate sacrifice means all people, regardless of physical ability, are welcomed, valued, and essential parts of God’s community.

Jesus’ suffering ensures that disabled Christians are not defined by their limitations, but by their inclusion in the life and ministry of God. 

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