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Why Did Jesus Die? Understanding Isaiah 53 and the Meaning of the Cross
Introduction: A Big Question
Many people today, even some in the church, are questioning or denying what the Bible teaches about Jesus’ death on the cross. Some even say that the idea of Jesus taking the punishment for our sins is wrong or harmful.
But what does the Bible actually say? In this article, we’ll look at one very important part of the Bible—Isaiah 53—to help us understand why Jesus died and what it means for us.
What Is Penal Substitution?
Penal substitution is a big phrase, but the idea is simple:
• Penal means to do with punishment.
• Substitution means someone taking someone else’s place.
So, penal substitution means Jesus took the punishment that we deserve for our sins. He suffered and died instead of us.
This idea isn’t just something people made up—it comes straight from the Bible. And Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest places that shows it.
Where Do We Find This in the Bible?
The Servant in Isaiah
Isaiah was a prophet who lived hundreds of years before Jesus. God gave him messages about a special person called the “servant.” This servant would come to help God’s people, not just Israel, but many nations.
Isaiah 53 tells us that this servant would suffer. He would be rejected, hurt, and even killed. But it also tells us why.
Start from Isaiah 52:13
This section begins in Isaiah 52:13 and goes all the way to the end of chapter 53. It’s one big message about the servant. Christians believe this is all about Jesus.
What Does Isaiah 53 Say?
1. He Was Rejected and Hurt
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…” —Isaiah 53:3
Jesus didn’t come as a rich or powerful man. He was rejected and suffered greatly.
2. He Carried Our Pain
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…”
—Isaiah 53:4
The servant took on our pain and sadness. He didn’t just suffer—he suffered for us.
3. He Was Punished in Our Place
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…” —Isaiah 53:5
Jesus didn’t die for his own sins—he had none. He was punished because of our sins. The Bible uses words like “pierced,” “crushed,” and “chastised.” These are strong words that show real pain and punishment.
4. God Planned It
“It was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief…” —Isaiah 53:10
This was not an accident or mistake. God planned for Jesus to suffer and die for our sins. This doesn’t mean God is cruel—it means God is just and loving. He found a way to deal with sin and still forgive sinners.
5. He Was a Guilt Offering
“When his soul makes an offering for guilt…” —Isaiah 53:10
In the Old Testament, people would offer animals to God to show they were sorry for their sins. The animal took their place. Isaiah says Jesus became that kind of offering. He is the perfect sacrifice for sin.
6. He Bore Our Sin
“The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” —Isaiah 53:6
“Iniquity” is another word for sin. God put our sin on Jesus. Three times in Isaiah 53 it says the servant “bore” or “carried” our sin. This is like the Old Testament sacrifices where a lamb would carry the people’s sin.
7. He Was Innocent
“Although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” —Isaiah 53:9
Jesus was completely innocent. He had never sinned. But he still suffered and died. That’s what makes this such a powerful act of love—he didn’t deserve it, but he did it for us.
8. He Made Us Right With God
“By his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous…” —Isaiah 53:11
Because of Jesus, we can be made right with God. We don’t earn it. It’s a gift. Jesus took our sin and gave us his goodness. This is what Christians call imputation—God counts us as righteous because of Jesus.
But Isn’t This “Cosmic Child Abuse”?
Some people say that this teaching sounds like abuse—that God the Father punished his own Son. But that’s not what the Bible says.
Jesus willingly gave his life (John 10:18). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all worked together in love to save us. It wasn’t cruel—it was the greatest act of love in history.
What About Other Views?
There are other ways people talk about what Jesus did on the cross:
• Moral example – Jesus shows us how to love.
• Victory over evil – Jesus beats sin and death.
These are true, but they aren’t the whole story. If we take away penal substitution, we miss the heart of the gospel. Jesus didn’t just show us love—he saved us from sin by taking our place.
The Good News of the Cross
Isaiah 53 shows us that Jesus is the suffering servant who died for our sins. He was pierced, crushed, and rejected so that we could be healed, forgiven, and accepted.
This isn’t a scary or ugly idea. It’s a beautiful truth. It shows how much God loves us—that he would give his own Son to take our place and bring us back to him.
“All we like sheep have gone astray… and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” —Isaiah 53:6
Conclusion: What Should We Do?
• Read Isaiah 53 carefully.
• Remember what Jesus did for you.
• Trust in him to forgive your sins.
• Tell others the good news.
Jesus took your place so you could take his. That’s the heart of the gospel. That’s the meaning of the cross.
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