After a verdict of "guilty" Jesus was subjected to an unspeakably painful flagellation.  But this was not without significance, because it was for us.  "By His stripes we were healed!"

To add insult to injury, Jesus was then required to bear His own cross on his wounded back to the Calvary, the place of crucifixion.

Jesus' broken hearted followers' dreams and hopes of a Redeemer were dashed to pieces at the foot of His cross.  Most of them were in hiding fearful for their own lives.  What began in a stable about thirty-three years previously, ended on a bloody cross.

Ended?  NO! NO!

It was a beginning, not an ending! Those who thought it would end at the tomb of Jesus were badly mistaken.  They were not listening when He declared that after three days He would rise again!  And He did!