Isaiah 53:12,isaiah 53:4-6

For Reading and Meditation:     Matthew 12:1-14

We continue reflecting on the thought that Jesus Christ is not like anyone else who has ever lived. Take the claim which He made in our text today: "One greater than the temple is here." Jesus in effect compared Himself with the temple's grandeur and significance as the center of Jewish life and said: "I am greater...

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...

That glorious being whom Isaiah saw upon a throne, high and lifted up, surrounded by the enraptured seraphim, left his throne at a time appointed and taking the form of man came into this every-day world of ours' and dwelt among us. What was his reception? Did not every knee bow and every tongue confess that he was Lord? If he had come in power and in majesty, with undeniable and irresistible glory, such a reception perhaps would have awaited him. Men would have fallen before him and given...

He was numbered with the transgressors. § Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. § [He] Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. § By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priest- hood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He...

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. § “In those days and in that time,” says the Lord, “the iniquity of Israel shall be sought, but there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, but they shall not be found; for I will pardon those whom I preserve.” § You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. § Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity?All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the...