The picture of the cross is never pretty. What Christ endured is unthinkable. What he accomplished is unbelievable. Jesus willingly went to the cross to be crushed by our sin. A price needed to be paid for every transgression, and he was the perfect sacrifice to do it. The one who knew no sin became sin so ours could be forgiven.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Redeemed and Restored
Chapter fifty-three of Isaiah is the most explicit description of what Christ accomplished on the cross. There is so much in this chapter that it can’t possibly be explained in one devotion. Look at the list, and you start to understand. Being crushed by our sin carried with it a complete package of redemption and restoration.
Bore Our Grief
Being crushed by our sin means that he bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. Not only was the penalty of our sin removed but the pain and misery that sin produces were removed. When we go to him for forgiveness, he also takes the hurt with it. Cast your sorrow and grief on him today.
Endured Suffering
Being crushed by our sin also means that he was physically afflicted and publicly humiliated. The spiritual weight of our sin alone would crush anyone, but he also endured physical suffering and chastisement from the self-righteous. Those wounds bring us healing. The eternal price of sin is removed, and we are made new. The agony that results from our transgressions is laid to rest, and it is replaced with peace.
Of His Own Accord
Jesus did all of this of his own accord. He willingly stepped to cross and took our place. The price tag of sin has been paid, and we are set free from its bondage. Walk in that freedom and healing today.