As we follow the story of Jesus from His trial to His crucifixion we see two truths intersect. First we see the wicked decisions of sinful men seeking to crucify the Messiah. But secondly we see the hand of God sovereignly bringing about the fulfillment of prophecy. God can and does work through even sinful man to bring about His will and accomplish His plan.

Compare these following verses…

Sinful man – “So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.” John 19:1

God fulfilling prophecy – “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.” Isaiah 50:6

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our   iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Sinful man – “… But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” John 19:9b-10

God fulfilling prophecy – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” Is 53:7

The big picture

“He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:3-6

Oh that you would recognize your messiah and trust in Him for salvation. Realize that your greatest need is forgiveness of sin and understand that your only hope for salvation is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. Look to Him now and live!

Pastor Mike