But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord ’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord ’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. (Isaiah 53:5, 6, 9-12 NLT)

The prophet Isaiah saw it coming.

He prophesied what the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, would endure in his life. He also knew it would be our sin that caused the pain.

Yet Isaiah also knew there was a greater plan. He knew that this pain would lead to something much greater, and that all who believe would gain eternal life.

This Holy Week, may we realize what has been done for us on the cross. And how on on Easter morning death has been defeated. May we believe this is: Jesus Christ gave his life to save our own.