But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

A student had recently flunked out of Math and transferred to Biblical Studies. From the moment she stepped into Dave Sparrow’s classroom she had a bad attitude. Despite Dave’s disciplinary efforts she persisted with disruptive behaviour. Thus, as matters continued to deteriorate, Dave started coming to his wit’s end. In fact, he says that he was “really, really battling!”

Matters finally came to a head when the girl refused to do the punishment Dave had given her. It was the last straw. There was no other option than to send her to the principal. When she arrived at the principal’s office, she was asked to tell him about the situation.

While listening to the student Alan formulated a plan of action and by the time she had finished he knew what to do. After a suitable pause, he looked across his desk and said; “I’ll do the punishment for you.” As expected, the girl was absolutely flabbergasted. Alan’s response had thrown her completely off guard. It was contrary to everything she’d anticipated. So she began to argue and eventually declared, “No!  I’ll do my own punishment!” and left Alan’s office to do just that!

This reminds me of the Lord Jesus Christ. He offered to take our punishment upon Himself. But sadly, like the student, many refuse to accept such a gracious offer. They argue and oppose what Christ wants to do. They reject the fact that Jesus “was pierced for our transgressions (and) crushed for our iniquities” Isaiah 53:5. And they insist that they’ll do their own punishment if necessary. Unfortunately these people don’t realise that they’re powerless to pay the penalty for their transgressions. For “the punishment that brought us peace was upon (Jesus)” Isaiah 53:5. As it states in 1 John 1:9, He is the only One who can “purify us from all unrighteousness.”