Made Intercession for Transgressors

Jan. 30, 2014 - Made Intercession for Transgressors – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:12b “… and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (KJV). “He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners” (NLT).

Mark 15:27-28 “And with Him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ ” (KJV). Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of His. And the Scripture was fulfilled that said, “He was counted among those who were rebels” (NLT). (The rebel means not obeying; fighting against one’s government or ruler.)

Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (KJV). Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people because they don’t know what they are doing” (NLT). In His agony on the cross, Jesus interceded for His enemies—a picture of love and forgiveness to the end. The picture is of Jesus the Mediator. He had come for this very purpose, to stand as the Mediator between God and sinful man.

Isaiah 53:12 had been predicted that Christ would pray for transgressors. The word, transgress means break a law, command; sin against; to go beyond limits set by; to violate (fail to keep) a command or law. Other translations might be interested to share the interpretation of transgress: godless; lawless ones; outlaws; lawbreaker; and criminals.

The very purpose for His coming was to make provision for forgiveness of sins. Because of His death, God would be able to forgive the sins of men, even those who were now crucifying Him. The men crucifying Him did not know who He was. 1 Cor. 2:8 “None of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Luke 22:37 Jesus said, “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me. And He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end” (KJV). “For the time has come for this prophecy about Me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among those who were rebels.’ Yes, everything written about Me by the prophets will come true” (NLT).

Jesus knew about the prophet, Isaiah who wrote chapter 53. The things concerning Him “have an end” means an accomplishment, fulfillment, completion. Amazing grace that the Suffering Messiah would fulfill Isaiah 53 and man’s salvation would be finally settled and finished. He was to proclaim upon the cross “It is finished.” The most wonderful truth in all the world is this: God will hold no sin against any man, if that man will personally trust His Son. John 3:16 welcome anyone to open their hearts to Jesus.

Come Into My Heart

Come into my heart, Come into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today, come in to stay.

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

(Author unknown, out of memory)