I grew up before My Father like a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground. I had no beauty or majesty to attract anyone to Me. There was nothing in My appearance that would cause anyone to desire Me. I was despised and rejected by men. Even My mother, brothers, and sisters mocked me, saying, “He is out of His mind.”
I became a man familiar with suffering, a man of sorrows. Crowds despised Me. Even now, many mock Me and say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
And yet, I took your diseases upon Myself. Strong men struck Me with fists and beat Me with staffs. My back received the lash meant for you until My skin hung loose, shredded by shards of sharp glass and stone. By My wounds, you are healed.
I carried your sorrows.
For your divine punishment—for your sins—they pierced My side with a sword. My blood poured out for you.
The punishment due you for your rebellion and rejection of My Father’s Law fell upon Me.
The punishment due you for your sins fell upon Me.
The punishment due you brought you peace—a peace that passes understanding. A peace that guards your heart and mind
Men opposed Me.
They beat Me into submission. Yet I did not open My mouth. I refused to answer the charges against Me.
Like a Passover lamb, you welcomed Me into your family. You treated me as if you cared. As a pet, you led me into your streets and then … sent Me to be slaughtered. In silence, I became your Passover lamb, your sacrifice for sins.
Where is My family? Who can speak of My descendants? I was cut down in My prime, taken from the land of the living. For the transgressions of My people, God’s chosen people, I became stricken.
My Father chose to crush Me on a cross. He caused Me to suffer. He made My life a guilt offering.
I poured out My life for you.
I bore your many sins.
I am your Passover lamb.
The rich and religious assigned Me a grave with the wicked. Though I lacked a place to rest my head, they laid My body in the tomb of the affluent.
And now, on My throne, I intercede for you, My offspring.
Come to Me, Jesus, and receive the light of life and be satisfied. I remove the suffering of your soul. I prolong your days.
Your Passover lamb is prepared this day.
Come to Me and live.
A Man of Sorrows. Wounded for our transgressions. Mighty Redeemer of our souls.
“Come to me and live.” What a promise!
His words are as life giving as ever.