Luke 22:37 – “It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus is explaining to His disciples that the time has come for the fulfillment of Scripture, specifically a prophecy from Isaiah 53:12, which describes the suffering servant who would be “numbered with the transgressors.” This prophecy is about Jesus being counted among sinners, even though He Himself was sinless. He would be treated like a criminal when He was arrested, tried, and crucified between two thieves.
Jesus is making it clear that His suffering and death are not accidents or random events—they are part of God’s divine plan to bring salvation to the world. Everything that is happening is a fulfillment of what was prophesied in the Old Testament. By willingly submitting to this plan, Jesus shows His obedience to the Father and His commitment to redeem humanity through His suffering and death.
Historical Context
The phrase “numbered with the transgressors” comes from Isaiah 53:12, a key passage in the Old Testament that describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of others and be punished as if He were a sinner. The Jewish people understood this passage as referring to someone who would suffer on behalf of God’s people. However, many did not realize that the prophecy was pointing directly to the Messiah.
During the time of Jesus, the Roman authorities often crucified criminals as a public spectacle. Crucifixion was a brutal and shameful form of execution reserved for the worst offenders, such as rebels and thieves. By being crucified alongside two criminals (Luke 23:32), Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy that He would be treated as a transgressor, even though He had done nothing wrong.
Jesus’ statement comes during the Last Supper, as He prepares His disciples for what is about to happen. He knows that they don’t fully understand the significance of His death yet, but He is planting the seed so that when they see these events unfold, they will remember His words and recognize them as the fulfillment of Scripture.
Theological Implications
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Jesus’ death on the cross was not a tragedy or an unexpected turn of events—it was the culmination of God’s plan to save humanity. The fact that Jesus was “numbered with the transgressors” highlights the depth of His humility and His willingness to take on the punishment that we deserve.
Theologically, this verse underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement—Jesus took the place of sinners, bearing the penalty for sin so that those who believe in Him could be forgiven. By being treated as a transgressor, Jesus identified with humanity’s brokenness and took upon Himself the punishment that brings us peace (Isaiah 53:5).
This verse also emphasizes the reliability of Scripture. The events surrounding Jesus’ death were not random—they were foretold hundreds of years earlier. This demonstrates that God’s Word is trustworthy and that His promises will be fulfilled.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of the phrase “it is written” connects this verse to the broader theme of fulfillment found throughout his Gospel. Luke frequently highlights how the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies. By including this statement, Luke reinforces the idea that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills God’s plan of salvation.
The phrase “numbered with the transgressors” carries deep symbolic meaning. It shows that Jesus was not only physically placed among sinners but also spiritually took on the weight of humanity’s sin. This imagery is central to the message of the gospel—Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, was treated as a sinner so that we could be forgiven and made righteous.
The statement “this must be fulfilled in me” highlights Jesus’ understanding of His mission. He knows that His death is necessary to fulfill God’s plan, and He willingly accepts this role. The use of the word “must” emphasizes the inevitability and divine purpose of His suffering.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:12 – “He was numbered with the transgressors,” a prophecy about the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many.
- Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities,” highlighting the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- Luke 23:32-34 – Jesus is crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be counted among transgressors.
- Acts 2:23 – Peter explains that Jesus’ death was part of God’s foreordained plan for salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. He willingly took the place of sinners and endured the punishment we deserve so that we could be reconciled to God. This should inspire gratitude, humility, and a desire to live in obedience to Him.
This verse also reassures believers that God’s plans are always fulfilled, even when circumstances seem difficult or confusing. Just as Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan, the trials and challenges that believers face can also be used by God to accomplish His purposes. Trusting in His sovereignty brings peace, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Additionally, this verse reminds Christians of the reliability of Scripture. The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus’ life and death demonstrates that God’s Word is trustworthy. Believers can have confidence that His promises—such as the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ—are true and will be fulfilled.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse. Jesus’ willingness to be “numbered with the transgressors” demonstrates the depth of God’s love for humanity. He did not abandon us in our sin but sent His Son to take our place, bearing the punishment we deserve so that we could be saved.
God’s love is also shown in His commitment to His promises. The prophecy from Isaiah 53 was given hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, but God faithfully brought it to fulfillment. This shows that God’s love is enduring and that He is always faithful to His Word.
Furthermore, God’s love is demonstrated in His desire for reconciliation. Jesus’ death was not just about fulfilling a prophecy—it was about restoring a broken relationship between God and humanity. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can experience forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53 and completes God’s plan of salvation. He willingly became the suffering servant who bore the sins of the world and was treated as a transgressor so that we could be redeemed.
This verse also highlights Jesus’ role as the obedient Son who submitted to the Father’s will. He knew that His mission involved suffering and death, but He embraced it because of His love for the Father and for humanity. His obedience is a model for believers, who are called to follow Him even when the path is difficult.
Additionally, this verse points to Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Although He was “numbered with the transgressors,” His death was not the end of the story. His resurrection demonstrates His triumph over sin and the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that Jesus was “numbered with the transgressors” deepen your understanding of His sacrifice for you?
- What does this verse teach you about the trustworthiness of Scripture and God’s promises?
- How can you apply the example of Jesus’ obedience to your own life when facing challenges or trials?
- In what ways can remembering God’s sovereignty give you peace during uncertain or difficult times?
- How does this verse inspire you to live with gratitude and a deeper commitment to Christ?
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, Jesus’ sacrifice, and the trustworthiness of God’s Word. It calls believers to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love and to live lives of gratitude, obedience, and trust in His promises.