He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
Isaiah 53:3-8
These verses concerning the suffering servant are disturbing, yet at the same time they are wonderful. It is disturbing to honestly think about what our Lord went through in order to bring us peace. Disturbing words like “despised,” “smitten,” “afflicted,” “pierced” and “crushed” convey a snapshot of the pain and suffering that Jesus endured. Yet another word jumps out in this passage. A word is used which truly makes these verses wonderful. The word is “our.” Jesus took up “our infirmities” and carried “our sorrows.” He was pierced for “our transgressions” and crushed for “our iniquities.” He experienced the wrath of God for our sins so that we may have peace with God. When I survey the wondrous cross, I see the suffering of my Lord for me.
Toward the cross
Daily readings of the events of the leading up to the cross
Sometime perhaps after midnight:
- Betrayal and Arrest (Matt. 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-50)
- Jewish trial – Jesus appears in three phases in front of:
- Annas (John 18:13-24)
- Caiaphas and partial Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-65)
- Sanhedrin fully assembled (perhaps after sunrise) (Matt. 27:1-2; Mark 15:1)
- Roman trial – Jesus appears in three phases before:
- Pilate (Matt. 27:2-14; Mark 15:2-5)
- Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12)
- Pilate (Matt. 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-14)
- Roman trial – Jesus appears in three phases before:
- Crucifixion – approx. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Matt. 27:27-66; Mark 15:16-39)
Tags: Christ Jesus