Becoming a Christian

Isaiah 53: The suffering servant

One of the most well-known and recited verses comes from the book of Isaiah, in Chapter 53 verse 5. It reads:

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

This verse shows effectively what Jesus would go through before and during his crucifixion on the cross, and what each action meant. Jesus died specifically by crucifixion as opposed to something like stoning, because the peircings on his hands were for our transgressions (wrongdoings, sins). The NIV translation says that he was crushed but one could also say broken. This is why when Christians take communion, they always break their bread. Jesus also broke the bread during the Last Supper, all of this referring to being "crushed for our iniquities". 

This speaks of the whole redemption and salvation that we receive from Him. Jesus was pierced AND crushed for our transgressions and iniquities. This covers all of our sins and wrongdoings and all of our bad decisions. We are once and forever more saved and forgiven. Jesus has borne the punishment for absolutely everything. Hallelujah!

Before the crucifixion, the soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothes to gamble for them. They whipped him multiple times until he had red lashes on his back. One could argue that this happened because it was the customs at the time, but the deeper meaning is that "by his stripes, we are healed". We are healed in mind, spirit, and body and that is why communion is so important. We not only remember what Jesus has done for us, but we take part in it and receive the healing that God wants us to receive. 

This punishment that Jesus took on his body, is what brings all of us peace. Peace within ourselves, peace with God, and also the capability to have peace with one another. Isn't that great? 

Yet, it can be a difficult thing to come to terms with. That someone else essentially took what we deserved. It can bring peace and freedom but those who do not quite fully understand this revelation (or God's awesome grace and love), may feel more like this is a way to get away with doing more iniquities and transgressions. To those people, I would say, don't worry. This is a normal step towards gaining wisdom and understanding of God's word (and his heart). If that, is, you are open to it. Many people sit in their filth, but being like God is to hate wrongdoing and evil-doers. 

Another problem new Christians often have with having a savior is the idea of willingly sacrificing someone else to be punished for our own sins. It is human nature to want to get what we deserve. And even if what we deserve is not so great, it is generally thought of as distasteful to let someone else take our place as a scapegoat. This is especially true when we think of who our scapegoat is. Jesus did absolutely nothing wrong. He was pure and innocent like a child, and he knew more about the scriptures than even the Pharisees (the religious leaders who would have studied the Torah day and night for many years). However, His sacrifice is a necessity because there is no other sacrifice that could satisfy God and we ourselves, as perfect as we may try to be, could never live without any iniquities or transgressions. 

Verse 10 reveals to us God's heart. It reads: 

"Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand." (Isaiah 53:10)

It was the Lord's will that Jesus be sacrificed on behalf of His people as a sin offering. It was Jesus who willingly laid down his life for our peace and healing. This is God's heart. He loved us so much that He knew his son would have to suffer and pay the ultimate price just so that you and I could draw near to God and have a relationship with Him. 

When I was a child, I felt guilty. During Easter and anytime we took communion, the pastor would always talk about Jesus' nail-pierced hands, his whipped back, and the agonizing pain he felt on the cross as he waited hours for his death. I felt compelled to believe and give my life to God because Jesus died for me. I owed him that. But now, my friend, I do not think this anymore. I accept that Jesus was and is the only sin offering that could ever be approved by God. No amount of lambs, bulls, or doves can wash away my sins. But the love of God prevailed and triumphed over everything. This is a somber thought but I think is also a cause for celebration of how awesome, kind, and gracious Our God truly is.