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The Plan Foretold

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. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5–6)

Written more than 500 years before Jesus’ birth, these verses in the Old Testament describe Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. God gave these words to the prophet Isaiah. Prophets were people who proclaimed and interpreted God’s word. Sometimes they explained God’s promises. Sometimes they explained God’s judgment. Sometimes they described future events. In fact, the psalmist and the prophet Zechariah described that Jesus’ hands and feet would be pierced, even before crucifixion was invented! These prophecies had a fuller meaning than what the prophets themselves may have understood.

God had a plan to save us before the creation of the world. Sending his Son was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. God knew what would happen from the beginning. Although we all have turned our backs on God and sinned against him, God took our suffering on himself and became our sacrifice. Jesus is the Suffering Servant. He willingly went to the cross to die for us. Instead of complaining or leaving us in our own helplessness, he allowed himself to be pierced and killed for our sin. He rose from the dead and shared his victory over sin and death with us. Because of him, we have a new, restored relationship with God!

These prophecies excited God’s people. They knew something big was going to happen, and it would bring them freedom. They knew it would give them a closer relationship with God. They didn’t know exactly how or when it would happen, but they believed God would keep his promise.

Reflect on these questions after reading Isaiah 52:13–53:12.

• What does it mean that all our sins were laid on Jesus? (See Isaiah 53:6.)
• In what ways can you identify with the statement: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6)?
• How does this passage help you understand your sin and Jesus’ sacrifice?
• What are some of the results of Jesus’ death, according to Isaiah 53:10–12?

Pray

Today’s prayer comes from Isaiah 53:5–6.

Jesus, you were pierced for my transgressions and crushed for my iniquities. You took my sin and paid my penalty on the cross. Thank you for always having the perfect plan for me. Thank you for offering me a relationship with you because of your sacrifice. Help me understand your word and apply it to my life. In Jesus' name, amen.