--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.
