“…He was wounded for our transgressions…” – Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
The most significant or most important season in a believer’s life is the weekend that changed the world – Easter. This holy season spans Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Our loving Jesus, Our Redeemer, Our Saviour, won the victory for us on that memorable weekend. He fulfilled the prophecy foretold by the Prophet Isaiah: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed” – Isaiah 53:5.
For Jesus to be crucified that weekend, one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus knew this would happen (Matthew 26:46); after all, He came to earth on an assignment that was extremely difficult. In the garden of Gethsemane, He agonised over it in prayer to His Father, saying, “…O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” – Matthew 26:39 (NKJV).
Judas could not forgive himself for what he had done. When he realised that Jesus was condemned, he became remorseful, realising he had betrayed innocent blood. He cast the thirty pieces of silver in the temple and hung himself. Jeremiah 19 also prophesied about the betrayal.
Jesus was arrested by Caiphas, the High Priest, and taken to Pilate, the Governor. Pilate asked Jesus a number of questions, trying to find him guilty of blasphemy, but Jesus answered not a word. He was silent against His false accusers. Governor Pilate also received advice from his wife during this trial. Her advice was to ‘have nothing to do with this just man’ since she suffered many things in a dream because of Jesus (Matthew 27:19).
But, alas, the Scriptures had to be fulfilled. Pilate did not find Jesus guilty of anything, but he wanted to please the people since they wanted Jesus dead. He condemned Him to be crucified (Matthew 27:26).
This, however, was the crux of God’s magnificent plan for the weekend that changed the world. Prophesy was being fulfilled. Mankind was about to be redeemed by an unselfish and courageous act. Friends, Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world. He knew what would happen to Him in the end, yet He persevered.
Thank You, Jesus.
Read: Matthew 27:35; James 1:12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 44:1-12; Luke 13:31-35; Luke 14:1-14; Deuteronomy 15; Deuteronomy 16:1-20
