Title: The Sinner's Friend / Isaiah 53:10-12
“(He) was numbered as one of the criminals. But he bore the sins of many, and he prayed for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). In today's text, the close relationship between Jesus and sinners is shown. The Lord calls us friends and makes Himself a servant for us as sinners.
I. Christ was counted as one of the transgressors.
(Christ was numbered with the transgressors)
The Roman government registered Jesus as a sinner under the colonial yoke. According to the law of Moses, on the 18th day after birth, Jesus was circumcised, a rite of purification, like a sinner. The Sanhedrin courts condemned him as a blasphemer and a greater sinner than the robber of Barabbas, a riot of society. Crucially, the Lord suffered a disgraceful death by being beaten by Roman soldiers and nailed to a cross. There was no excuse for him, no one to stop his death. The Lord was thoroughly treated as a sinner. But he was not beaten for his own sins, but instead of the sins of his people, punished as one of the sinners.
II. Christ bore the sins of many.
(Christ Bore the sin of many)
III. Christ prays for the transgressor.
(Christ made intercession for the transgressors)
Jesus also intercedes for his people. But we must remember that they are sinners. “I prayed for the transgressor.” (Isaiah 53:12) The owner, who waited for three years for the fig tree to bear fruit, said that he wasted only the land, so he had to cut it down. The ax has already been laid at the root of the tree. However, the owner waits for another year at the request of the orchard keeper (Luke 13:6-9). Christ the Mediator is pleading with God the Father to delay judgment for a short time for us, so that we may hear the gospel and bear the fruits of repentance - restoration of conscience, rectification of heart, acknowledgment of one's sins, renunciation of self-righteousness, and surrender to God. .
concluding remarks
The Lord commands me to come out as I am. 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved' (Acts 16:31), 'Repent and turn around so that your sins may be blotted out' (Acts 3:19) We must not take sin lightly. In order to save us from our sins, God counted his son as one of the criminals, and he bore his sins and made him be beaten to death, and he prays on our behalf today. Even those who have committed great sins can be saved. Even an evil character can change and become a new person. He calls me as a friend, not a sinner, because I was sinful and weak and had no hope.