The Willing Substitute

Isaiah 53:4-6, “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” 

Mark 15:24-25, “And when they had crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.” 

Christ’s crucifixion was no tragic accident. The death of cross on a Roman cross was the Godhead’s foreordained plan, and the Son’s willing choice. On Calvary, the spotless Lamb of God bore the full weight of our sin so that the justice of God might be perfectly satisfied. This is the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, and it is a cherished truth. “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Spikes did not hold Jesus to the cross. His holy love fastened Him there. Every lash, every taunt, every drop of blood simultaneously declared God’s hatred for sin and His immeasurable grace toward sinners. Let that collide with your heart today. Christ stood condemned in our place that we may stand righteous before God through Him. May we always be amazed by God’s grace and never take it for granted. May we always be thankful that Christ chose the cross for us, and may our heightened gratitude develop into daily repentance as we seek to live for the glory of the One who took our punishment upon Himself.