The true spiritual Atlas!

(John MacDuff) LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

"You shall make His soul an offering for sin." Isaiah 53:10

Mark, it is soul-suffering that is the essence of Jesus' anguish. "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death."

That 'cup' was filled to the brim with curses! His holy soul was like a vast reservoir, into which the transgressions of every elect child of Adam rushed from every age, demanding payment for sin.

He was filled with horror and deep distress at the fearful havoc which sin had wrought, and at its dreadful penalty, which He was now bearing.

The wrath of God, the horrendous manifestation of His displeasure at iniquity, was upon Jesus!

He was the true spiritual Atlas, bearing on His shoulders, the sins of a guilty world.

Jesus' sufferings were not calamities. They were a judicial punishment inflicted on Him by His Father for the sins of His people. There was an eternity of woe, condensed into His sufferings and sin-atoning death. Christ was the Sin-Bearer, bearing not merely the guilt and punishment of sin, but sin itself.

As we see drop by drop crimsoning the sods of Gethsemane, we may well exclaim:
"He was pierced for our transgressions,
 He was crushed for our iniquities,
 the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
 and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Christ loved us, and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2