Slideshow image

Scripture: Isaiah 53:6 (KJV)

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

Devotional

Easter is God’s answer to a hopeless problem. We are not basically good people who just need a little help. We are wandering sheep, each choosing our own way. Sin separated us from a holy God, and we had no way back.

So what did God do?
“The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
“The just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.”

Jesus didn’t die for “mistakes”; He died for sin. He didn’t die to inspire us; He died to substitute for us. Every lie, every lustful thought, every act of pride, every bitterness, every hidden sin—laid on Him. He was treated as if He had lived your life, so that you could be treated as if you had lived His.

This is the love at the heart of Easter:

  • Not sentimental love, but sacrificial love.
  • Not vague kindness, but bloody, costly redemption.

The Father was not indifferent or cruel in this. “It pleased the Father” (Colossians 1:19–20) to reconcile us through the blood of His Son, because He knew this was the only way to bring His wandering children home.

Reflection

  • In what ways have you “gone astray” and “turned to your own way” recently—choosing your way over God’s?
  • What does it do to your heart to realize that your iniquity was laid on Christ personally, not just “on humanity in general”?
  • Are you trying to “pay God back” or earn His favor, instead of resting in Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice?

Prayer

Father,
I confess that I have gone astray and turned to my own way. Thank You that instead of leaving me lost, You laid my iniquity on Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank You for suffering, “the just for the unjust,” to bring me to God. Help me to rest in Your finished work on the cross and to live as someone truly forgiven and deeply loved. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Action

Spend 5–10 minutes today slowly rereading Isaiah 53:3–7. Underline or write down every phrase that describes what He did and what we did. Then specifically thank Jesus for at least three things He endured for you.