By His Wounds

READ

Written centuries before crucifixion was invented and long before Jesus walked the earth, Isaiah 53 contains one of the most profound descriptions of what would happen on the cross. In just one verse, Isaiah captures the remarkable truth that Christ took our place, bearing what we deserved so we could receive what we could never earn.

Let’s take a moment to read Isaiah 53:5:

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

REFLECT

The language is intentionally physical and visceral: "pierced," "crushed," "punishment," "wounds." Isaiah doesn't spiritualize suffering or speak in comfortable statements. He describes real physical agony endured by a real person. This prophecy found its fulfillment as nails pierced Jesus' hands and feet, as the weight of the cross crushed his body, as the flogging by Roman soliders tore his flesh.

But what makes this verse so powerful is the repeated emphasis on the exchange that took place. Notice the pronouns: he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; his punishment brought us peace; his wounds brought us healing. His pain, our gain. His suffering, our salvation. His death, our life.

This is justice and mercy perfectly balanced. God doesn't simply overlook our "transgressions" and "iniquities"—serious words that describe our deliberate rebellion against Him. Such dismissal of sin would make God unjust, like a judge who releases guilty criminals without consequence. Instead, God satisfies the demands of justice by taking the punishment upon Himself in the person of His Son.

The magnitude of what Jesus experienced is captured in the word "crushed"—not just physical suffering but the spiritual weight of bearing sin's full consequences. Jesus, who had lived in perfect fellowship with the Father for all eternity, experienced the agony of separation as He took on the sin of the world.

And what do we receive in this exchange? Isaiah identifies two priceless gifts: "peace" and "healing." The peace described here is not just emotional tranquility but shalom—comprehensive well-being and right relationship with God. The healing is not just physical but restoration of our sin-damaged souls. What Jesus purchased for us addresses both the legal problem of our guilt and the relational problem of our estrangement from God.

This substitution is the heart of Christianity's uniqueness. Other religious systems typically offer advice about what we must do to reach God. Christianity announces what God has done to reach us. Other paths suggest ways we might earn the favor of god through our efforts. The gospel declares that Christ has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

When properly understood, this truth transforms not just our eternal destiny but our daily lives. Guilt loses its crushing power when we truly grasp that Jesus was crushed in our place. Fear of punishment fades when we understand that the punishment that brings peace has already fallen on Christ. Shame's grip loosens when we believe that His wounds bring our healing.

In a world obsessed with self-sufficiency, the cross reminds us that our greatest need was met not through our achievement but through Christ's sacrifice. Our response can only be grateful acceptance of this precious gift.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• Which aspects of your life most need the "healing" that Christ's wounds provide? How might fully embracing His healing affect these areas?

• In what ways might you be trying to earn or deserve what Christ has already freely given you through His sacrifice?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

Jesus, I am humbled and amazed that You would be pierced for my transgressions and crushed for my iniquities. Thank You for willingly taking my place and bearing the punishment I deserved. Help me to walk in the peace and healing You purchased for me at such great cost. Amen.