Spurgeon: March AM
* 03/30/AM
"He was numbered with the transgressors."
--Isaiah 53:12
Why did Jesus suffer Himself to be enrolled amongst sinners?
This wonderful condescension was justified by many powerful
reasons. In such a character He could the better become their
advocate . In some trials there is an identification of the
counsellor with the client, nor can they be looked upon in the
eye of the law as apart from one another. Now, when the sinner
is brought to the bar, Jesus appears there Himself. He stands
to answer the accusation. He points to His side, His hands, His
feet, and challenges Justice to bring anything against the
sinners whom He represents; He pleads His blood, and pleads so
triumphantly, being numbered with them and having a part with
them, that the Judge proclaims, "Let them go their way; deliver
them from going down into the pit, for He hath found a ransom."
Our Lord Jesus was numbered with the transgressors in order that
they might feel their hearts drawn towards Him . Who can be
afraid of one who is written in the same list with us? Surely we
may come boldly to Him, and confess our guilt. He who is
numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was He not put down in the
transgressor's list that we might be written in the red roll of
the saints ? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were
guilty, and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name
from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are
taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance,
for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His
people. All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken; and
all that Jesus has comes to us. His righteousness, His blood,
and everything that He hath He gives us as our dowry. Rejoice,
believer, in your union to Him who was numbered among the
transgressors; and prove that you are truly saved by being
manifestly numbered with those who are new creatures in Him.