"For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
Before his arrest, Jesus sums up his mission to His disciples by quoting Isaiah 53:12, a passage that is part of the Suffering Servant prophecy, one of the most profound Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This prophecy, written centuries before Christ, vividly describes the suffering, rejection, and ultimate triumph of the servant of the Lord.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Isaiah 53:12 says, “Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” This verse is the culmination of Isaiah's depiction of the suffering servant, who would be despised, rejected, and ultimately sacrificed for the sins of others. The phrase "numbered with the transgressors" is a poignant declaration that the Messiah would be counted among sinners, treated as one of them, and bear the full weight of their iniquities.
Jesus’ reference to this passage is a clear indication that He understood His own mission as the fulfillment of this prophetic vision. By stating that what is written about Him has its fulfillment, Jesus was affirming that His impending suffering and crucifixion were not accidental or merely the result of human malice. Instead, they were the divine plan, foretold by the prophets, and necessary for the salvation of God's people.
The Atonement and Substitution
Isaiah 53 is central to understanding the atonement—the doctrine that Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners. The idea of substitution is evident throughout the passage: the servant is “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities,” and “by his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The servant bears the punishment that was due to us, satisfying the justice of God while extending mercy to the undeserving.
In being “numbered with the transgressors,” Jesus fulfills the role of the suffering servant by fully identifying with sinners. Though He was sinless, He took upon Himself the sins of the world, bearing the punishment that we deserved. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This profound exchange—Christ taking our sin and imparting His righteousness to us—is the heart of the atonement.
The Necessity of Fulfillment
Jesus’ statement also underscores the necessity of His suffering. He emphasizes that the Scripture “must be fulfilled.” This necessity is not because God is bound by a law outside Himself, but because God’s own character and promises require it. God’s holiness demands justice for sin, and His love provides the means of atonement through the death of His Son. Thus, the fulfillment of Isaiah 53 in the life and death of Jesus is both a demonstration of God’s justice and His incredible love.
This understanding deepens our appreciation of the cross. It was not merely a tragic event, but the very means by which God reconciled the world to Himself. Every detail of Christ's suffering was anticipated and foretold, showing that God’s plan for redemption was in motion long before the events of Calvary.
The Implications for Believers
For believers, the fulfillment of this Scripture in Christ has profound implications. First, it assures us that God’s Word is true and trustworthy. The precise fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ life confirms that God’s promises are sure, and His plans cannot be thwarted. Second, it comforts us with the knowledge that Jesus willingly and obediently embraced the path of suffering for our sake. He was not a victim, but a willing sacrifice, who “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
Finally, this truth calls us to respond in faith and gratitude. Knowing that Christ was “numbered with the transgressors” for our sake should lead us to live lives that reflect His love and grace. As those who have been redeemed by His sacrifice, we are called to take up our cross daily, following Him in the path of self-denial, service, and love for others.
In conclusion, Luke 22:37 and its connection to Isaiah 53 reveal the depth of Christ’s work on the cross. Jesus, the sinless one, was numbered among sinners, fulfilling the ancient prophecy and securing the salvation of all who trust in Him. This fulfillment of Scripture reminds us that God’s plan is perfect, His Word is true, and His love is unfathomable. As we meditate on these truths, may our hearts be filled with awe and worship, and may our lives be a testimony to the grace we have received through Jesus Christ, our Lord.