What a Glorious Sight!
Surely he was taking up our weaknesses, and he was carrying our sufferings. We thought it was because of God that he was stricken, smitten, and afflicted, (Isaiah 53:4)
Occasionally on Good Friday you may hear the comment that today marks a sad day in mankind’s history. Thoughts like this:
- How could a group of people be so cruel?
- How could they take a good man like Jesus, who did nothing wrong, and put him to death in such an inhumane fashion?
- Some even express, if Jesus were alive today, our society wouldn’t do such a terrible thing.
Those who brought Jesus to the cross thought it was God who brought Jesus there. The leaders mocked at the foot of the cross, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself. If he’s the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now, if he wants him, because he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:42,43)
It looked like Jesus was guilty.
In a way, Jesus was guilty. Look at what Isaiah saw by faith: Surely, he was taking up our weaknesses, and he was carrying our sufferings. Yes, he was guilty because he was carrying our guilt and sin. He endured the punishment we deserved. Isaiah finishes the sentence begun in our verse above with: “but it was because of our rebellion that he was pierced.”
What do you see on the cross? It shows the terribleness of our sin, yes. But it also is the greatest expression of love imaginable. What a Glorious Sight!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your limitless love. Thank you for the blessed assurance. Amen.