Our Savior
Isaiah 53 

Yesterday, as we explored some biblical history leading up to the time of Jesus, we saw that the Jews were expecting a Savior. Yet Jesus didn’t match the Messiah they anticipated.

The people imagined a strong ruler who would lead their nation with worldly power, but the Lord was a servant who spent time with outcasts. They hoped for a man who would end Israel’s persecution; He died a criminal’s death and warned His followers that they would not be accepted by the world. It is, then, no surprise that the Jewish people rejected Him. He did not fit what they wanted—yet He was so much more than they understood.

For all of us will one day stand before God, and in our iniquity, we would be unworthy to remain in His presence. His judgment of sin will be death, an agonizing eternal existence apart from Him. This is what He warned Adam in Genesis 2:17—that if he sinned, he would die.

Yet Jesus bore our sin so that whoever trusts in Him can look forward to eternal life instead (John 3:16). Christ chose to bear our punishment—the Holy One voluntarily dying the death of a criminal so we could live forever in His presence. Jesus was “the way” (14:6) that God could satisfy His justice yet love His people.

Jesus’ gift of salvation is free. It requires nothing on our part except acceptance and surrender. Have you accepted His death on the cross as the atonement for your sin? The Redeemer’s death leads to life, and though He doesn’t guarantee an easy road, He promises to stay with you always