Becoming More Impressed With Christ

by Erik Raymond September 15, 2017

Luke 22:37 “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”

Prior to heading up to the Mount of Olives, the Lord Jesus makes this statement to his disciples. It is in the context of Jesus telling them to get a money-bag, knapsack, and a sword in preparation of the coming days.

The Scripture that the Savior cites is from the prophet Isaiah, specifically the 53:12. Of course, this chapter of Isaiah is one of the clearest conglomerations of Messianic prophecy contained in the Old Testament. Isaiah writes with prophetic precision as he foretells of the manner in which the Son of David would suffer and die while accomplishing redemption.

Notice, though, as you read this passage the resolve by Jesus, this Scripture must be fulfilled in me. Jesus interprets Isaiah as referring to him and the necessity of it being fulfilled. Jesus was intent on doing exactly what the Scripture said because Scripture says exactly what God wanted to be done. Here we see the beautiful marriage between the Word and will of God. What God has spoken shall indeed come to pass.

In addition, we see the reality of Christ being numbered with the transgressors. Exhale. This is still hard to fathom, particularly in light of the perfect life that we see modeled in the Gospel narratives. Jesus Christ, the incarnation of beauty, perfection, holiness, and purity is going to be brushing up and punished with the ungodly, unrighteous, evil, rebellious, and sinful people. This is what Jesus said he must do.

I love reading this passage and hearing Jesus grab that pronoun he and velcro it to his chest–he is the suffering servant, he is the son of David, he is the one who would justify the many as he is pierced for our transgressions.

I read this passage and I find myself more impressed with my Savior who loves the Word of God, the will of God, the elect of God, and the glory of God.

Jesus Christ has it all together as he goes to die for people who can’t ever seem to get it right.

I love him because he is so different from me, so perfect and so full of a holy zeal for the glory of God. I love him because he is different from me and is everything that I want to be. Simply, I love him because he is Jesus, the one and only.

Editor's Note: This originally published at The Gospel Coalition.