The prophecy concerning the Messiah being "numbered with the transgressors" is a significant aspect of the messianic predictions found in the Old Testament. This prophecy is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Isaiah and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Prophetic Background

The prophecy originates from the Book of Isaiah, a text rich with messianic expectations. Isaiah 53 is a profound chapter that describes the suffering servant, a figure who bears the sins of many and is subjected to suffering and humiliation. Isaiah 53:12 states: "Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors."

This passage highlights the servant's role in bearing the sins of others and being counted among sinners, despite His own innocence. The phrase "numbered with the transgressors" indicates that the servant would be treated as a criminal, sharing the fate of those who have broken the law.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

The fulfillment of this prophecy is vividly portrayed in the New Testament, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. The Gospel of Mark records the fulfillment of this prophecy with clarity. Mark 15:27-28 states: "Along with Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'He was numbered with the transgressors.'"

This passage describes the scene at Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. The placement of Jesus between these two transgressors is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, underscoring the identification of Jesus with sinners, despite His sinless nature.

The Gospel of Luke also emphasizes this fulfillment. In Luke 22:37 , Jesus Himself refers to the prophecy, saying: "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 is reaching its fulfillment." Here, Jesus acknowledges the necessity of fulfilling the prophetic word, affirming His role as the suffering servant who would be counted among the lawbreakers.

Theological Significance

The fulfillment of this prophecy holds deep theological significance within Christian doctrine. It underscores the vicarious nature of Christ's atonement, highlighting His willingness to be identified with sinners in order to redeem them. By being "numbered with the transgressors," Jesus fully embraced the human condition, taking upon Himself the punishment deserved by humanity.

This act of being counted among sinners is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. It demonstrates the depth of Christ's humility and His obedience to the Father's will, as He bore the sins of many and made intercession for them. The fulfillment of this prophecy is a testament to the accuracy and reliability of the Scriptures, as well as the divine plan of redemption orchestrated through Jesus Christ.Mark 15:28
And the scripture was fulfilled, which said, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John xix. 16-18
... disciple concerning His mother, fulfilling prophecies, holding forth ... of men imagining
nothing great respecting Him; but ... 2525] when one leaves Christ heir with ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxv john xix 16-18.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... raise an argument at this point respecting the believer's ... accurate and literal
fulfilment of these prophecies we have ... Just as the Jews of Christ's day despised ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... almost be regarded as an epitome of these prophecies. ... that Noah, by "the spirit of
Christ" which was ... We are farther informed respecting Noah's preaching, which ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

part i
... them enter into his heart, which Jesus Christ alone ought to ... soul is in the very
midst of his being"in the ... words of the God of glory are fulfilled every time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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