Luke 22:64
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Luke 22:64
Luke 22:64 continues the theme of heightened humiliation: “And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face.” Blindfolding is a crude tactic to strip away dignity, to force a response, and to demonstrate power over the victim. The act of slapping Jesus and demanding prophecy from someone who cannot see intensifies the humiliation while showcasing the arrogance of those who mock divine authority. The request, “Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?” is a cruel taunt intended to mock Jesus’ claimed prophetic powers. Luke records this to illustrate the severity of Jesus’ suffering and to contribute to the broader portrayal of the flawed human governance of that era. The verse also underscores the blurring line between mockery of the divine and the truth of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Theologically, this moment exposes the scandal of the cross: the Messiah bound, blindfolded, and struck. Yet in this vulnerability, Jesus embodies redemptive strength. The mockers test Jesus’ perceived ability to discern the offender, yet the incident foreshadows Jesus’ own authority and sovereignty—ultimately demonstrated in his willing submission to the Father’s plan. Luke uses this scene to show how human arrogance seeks to debase what God has chosen to redeem, and it underscores the depths of divine love that remains steadfast in the face of such mockery.
In daily life, power dynamics can be demeaning and dehumanizing. We should respond with grace rather than retaliation, choosing truth and dignity for ourselves and others even when we are treated with contempt. Practical steps: maintain composure in confrontations; resist the urge to retaliate with insults; offer boundaries and accountability to protect yourself and others from abuse. For those who feel blindfolded by circumstances—unclear about what comes next—cling to the truth that God sees all and is at work beneath the surface. Invite questions, pursue justice with compassion, and model dignified restraint in the face of hostility.
Cross-References: Isaiah 50:6; 1 Timothy 3:11; Romans 12:14-21; Psalm 123:2