Jesus Christ The Perfect Lamb

Jesus Christ The Perfect Lamb

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53 v 5)

How could Israelites living in the Old Testament understand the idea of Jesus Christ dying for our sins-actually bearing the punishment that we deserved? The above scripture speaks of the Messiah, who would suffer for the sins of all people. Such a prophecy is astounding! The children of Israel were instructed to annually offer sacrificial lambs to God for their sins. But it is one thing to kill a lamb, and something quite different to think of God’s chosen servant as ‘that lamb’.

Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble man. The idea is contrary to human pride and reasoning. The Messiah’s strength is shown by humility, suffering and mercy. God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah’s day look ahead to the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all mankind.

Why Did Jesus Have To Be Crucified?

1.      Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven.

2.      Jesus was wounded that we might be healed.

3.      Jesus was made to bear our sinfulness that we might receive his righteousness.

4.      Jesus died for us, that we might obtain and share his life.

5.      Jesus became poor with our poverty, that we might inherit his riches.

6.      Jesus bore our shame that we might share his glory.

7.      Jesus endured our rejection that we might have his acceptance as children of God.

8.      Jesus became a curse that we might receive a blessing.

The Messiah suffered for mankind’s sake, bearing our sins to make us acceptable to God. What can we say to such love? The God we serve is holy, and he cannot tolerate sin. Sin separates us from God bringing pain and suffering. But if we confess our sin and repent, God forgives us! Have you ever been separated from a loved one and then experienced joy when that person returned? That is similar to the joy God has when each of us repent and return to him.