Among the transgressors

Earlier Jesus sent his disciples out without money, bag or sandals. They lacked nothing. Now it will be different, he says. Then he quotes Isaiah 53, the song of the servant who suffers: he was numbered with the transgressors. Only here does Jesus quote that chapter word for word.

Jesus says this on his last evening, just before his arrest. So his disciples know in advance: soon he will be led away like a criminal. Within a day he hangs on a cross between two condemned men. Whoever feels shut out or given up on doesn't stand there alone. Jesus chose that place himself.