"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah foretells the suffering of Jesus, the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (Revelation 13:8)
John the Baptist introduced Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Again, as we see what Jesus did for us, to bring us forgiveness and peace, we get a glimpse of the golden thread of grace that runs through the entire Bible. Notice, four times in the verse, His interaction with us - 'He' and 'our/we'.
He was wounded because of our revolt.
He was crushed because of our wrong-doing.
He was punished so that we might have peace.
He was whipped so that we might be healed of sin.
The verse starts with the punishment Christ endured for our revolt and wrongdoing - then ends with His gifts to us of peace and healing. What grace! What love!
It's easy for us to casually read today's verse and miss the blood. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before He was killed, Christ wrestled with the prince of darkness and His sweat was like drops of blood, oozing out of His skin, and falling to the ground. The mob handled Him roughly; the soldiers struck Him, beat Him and whipped Him, opening wounds from which His blood flowed; the crown of thorns, thrust upon His head, caused more blood to flow. And finally, the nails in His hands and feet drained what little was left, as He hung on the cross.
But it's the blood that gives us life! The entire sanctuary service, given to the Israelites in the wilderness, pointed to Christ, the Lamb. (See Leviticus.) The slain sacrifice and sprinkled blood in that service was a symbol of the salvation that He offers, and pointed forward to Christ's death for us. What a fitting metaphor - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." Leviticus 17:11 & Deuteronomy 12:23. "…and without shedding of blood there is no remission." Hebrews 9:22.
John the Revelator brings greetings from Jesus Christ - the One who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. (Rev 1:5) This is heaven's forgiveness!
Today, as you think about Christ's agony and suffering, and the wonderful gift His spilled blood brings to us all, may you accept that gift and experience the peace and healing He gives.
