While the New Testament details the crucifixion extensively, my own personal belief is that there is no greater text dealing with the suffering of Christ than Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
This single verse shows so much about our own human brokenness and Christโs incredible sacrifice.
When Christ suffered, it was not pointless suffering, but it was in order to meet four of manโs greatest needs.
1. Forgiveness
Isaiah says that, โHe [the Messiah] was wounded for our transgressions โฆโ The word for transgression is that of rebellion or revolting. In other words, we have rebelled against God and His commandments. Weโve sinned against Him, and we need forgiveness.
Godโs answer is that He sent His only Son Jesus to shed His blood in order to forgive us of our transgression, our rebellion, our sin.
Hebrews 9:22 says, โAnd according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.โ Christโs blood sacrifice on our behalf paved the path for forgiveness of our rebellion.
2. Substitution
Man is not only rebellious, but he is guilty and deserves punishment for breaking Godโs commandments. When we break laws in society, punishment is given to us. For example, we receive a fine when we are caught speeding. However, when we break Godโs law, the punishment is death. (Romans 6:23a: โFor the wages of sin is death โฆโ)
Therefore, manโs need is not necessarily to get out of punishment or a reduction in punishment, but man needs a substitute. Jesus was wounded, bruised and chastised. Not because He had done anything wrong. He did it for our sins. And because Jesus loved us, He chose to take our place. He became our substitute.
3. Peace
Since we broke fellowship with God, our natural human status is in conflict with the Lord, which is the opposite of peace. Knowing this, God gave His Son to take the wrath and appease Godโs holy nature. Man was in debt to God and God paid His own bill.
Jesusโ chastisement on the cross enables us to have peace with Him, because Jesus paid the debt and satisfied Godโs wrath.
4. Healing
Due to our own actions, we allow sin to come into our bodies and start to bring about death. This is spiritual death, and because it is spiritual, we need a divine cure: Jesus.
Christโs death on the cross allows spiritual healing to come to our dying souls. By His wounds we are healed.
Our sinful human nature is not a surprise to God. Yet in His love for us, He provided a way for us to find forgiveness, substitution, peace and healing through Jesus.
What Are You Missing?
Perhaps as you read this, you are beginning to realize that youโve never found forgiveness, or healing or peace. Because youโre missing these key elements, youโre struggling to do the right thing, trying to earn your way to Heaven, only to fall time after time.
If this sounds familiar, now would be the perfect time to find out the true meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and resurrection. It’s time to place your faith in Him.
