In our text today, Matthew is quoting Isaiah 53.
When I first understood what this verse really meant, I rejoiced in it. Because when I read it, I was able to emphasize the word "our." Jesus took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. I am included in that "our!" He took my infirmities, and bore my sicknesses!
At this realization, I felt as the elderly woman did who suddenly turned up missing in London during World War II. Her neighbors didn't see her in the bomb shelters during enemy air raids, so they assumed she had either been killed or had left town. When some of them saw her on the street several days later, they asked her where she had been. She answered that she hadn't been anywhere.
"But what did you do during the bombing?" they asked.
She said, "I just stayed in bed and slept."
"Weren't you afraid?"
"No, after I read in the Bible that God neither slumbers nor sleeps, I decided there wasn't any need for both of us to stay awake!"
Since Christ Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses, there isn't any need for us to bear them. Jesus bore them so that we might be free!
Confession: Because Christ took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses, there is no need for me to bear them. I accept what Jesus has provided!
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications
