Morning, March 30
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Isaiah 53:12
"He was numbered with the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12
Why did Jesus suffer himself to be enrolled amongst sinners? This
wonderful condescension was justified by many powerful reasons. In such
a character he could the better become their advocate. In some trials
there is an identification of the counsellor with the client, nor can
they be looked upon in the eye of the law as apart from one another.
Now, when the sinner is brought to the bar, Jesus appears there
himself. He stands to answer the accusation. He points to his side, his
hands, his feet, and challenges Justice to bring anything against the
sinners whom he represents; he pleads his blood, and pleads so
triumphantly, being numbered with them and having a part with them,
that the Judge proclaims, "Let them go their way; deliver them from
going down into the pit, for he hath found a ransom." Our Lord Jesus
was numbered with the transgressors in order that they might feel their
hearts drawn towards him. Who can be afraid of one who is written in
the same list with us? Surely we may come boldly to him, and confess
our guilt. He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was he not put
down in the transgressor's list that we might be written in the red
roll of the saints? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were
guilty, and numbered among the guilty; he transfers his name from
yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the
indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a
complete transfer made between Jesus and his people. All our estate of
misery and sin Jesus has taken; and all that Jesus has comes to us. His
righteousness, his blood, and everything that he hath he gives us as
our dowry. Rejoice, believer, in your union to him who was numbered
among the transgressors; and prove that you are truly saved by being
manifestly numbered with those who are new creatures in him.