But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
This verse makes it clear that we start off in a bad place before god. We have transgressed, rebelling against our creator, wanting to go our own way. We are also in iniquity. We are guilty. Everything we do is twisted and tainted by our selfish, sinful motives. We have not only failed God but also rejected him.
But, amazingly, by the end of this verse we are in a much better position. We have peace - completeness, contentment, restoration of our relationship with God. And we are healed - brought from death into life.
How did this dramatic turnaround happen? It happened because Jesus was wounded, dying a brutal death in our place. It happened because Jesus was crushed and broken so that we could be restored. It happened because Jesus was chastised, taking the wrath that our rebellion deserved.
But, amazingly, by the end of this verse we are in a much better position. We have peace - completeness, contentment, restoration of our relationship with God. And we are healed - brought from death into life.
How did this dramatic turnaround happen? It happened because Jesus was wounded, dying a brutal death in our place. It happened because Jesus was crushed and broken so that we could be restored. It happened because Jesus was chastised, taking the wrath that our rebellion deserved.
That is God's great love for us. He suffered violence so that we can have peace. He died so that we can have eternal life.