Another event prophesied in the Old Testament is the crucifixion of the Messiah together with the two malefactors. The prophet Isaiah saw once again the full suffering of Christ on the cross when he wrote in Isaiah 53:12 saying, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” The Messiah, despite His holiness, living without sins and doing no wrong, was nailed on the cross. The Jews considered the punishment which Christ received to be of the same magnitude as those malefactors. Lockyer rightly opines, "The word Isaiah used for transgressors among whom Christ was numbered does not refer to the usual run of sinners, but to criminals, or those who were open transgressors of the law of God and man. Voluntarily He permitted Himself to be reckoned with male factors, and to all appearances as far as the mob was concerned, Jesus was a felon like His companions in death - perhaps considered a shade worse than the other two, as He was given the middle place."
How terrible His suffering was! He was so holy, living in this world, helping the weak and showing mercy to those who were distressed and oppressed. He taught the multitude to live according to the truth and the Law, but His enemies nailed Him on the cross. Nevertheless, it was done perfectly according to the prophecies given concerning Him in the Old Testament. Whatever the Lord had said concerning Him must be fulfilled. As Mark recorded, “And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors” (Mark 15:27-28).
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