Why did Jesus allow himself to be enrolled among sinners? This wonderful condescension had powerful reasons behind it.

First, by taking his place among transgressors, he could become their perfect advocate. In certain trials, the lawyer and client are so bound together that the law cannot separate them. They stand or fall as one. Now, when the sinner is brought to the bar, Jesus appears there himself! He stands to answer the accusation. He points to his side, his hands, his feet, and challenges Justice to bring anything against the sinners he represents. He pleads his blood—and pleads so triumphantly, being numbered with them, having a part with them, that the Judge proclaims: "Let them go their way! Deliver them from going down into the pit, for he has found a ransom!"

But there's more. Our Lord Jesus was numbered with transgressors so that our hearts might be drawn to him. Who can be afraid of one who is written in the same list with us? Surely we can come boldly to him and confess our guilt! He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us.

Was he not put down on the transgressor's list that we might be written in the red roll of the saints? Listen! He was holy, written among the holy. We were guilty, numbered among the guilty. But watch: He transfers his name from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance. A complete transfer is made between Jesus and his people!

All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken. And all that Jesus has—his righteousness, his blood, everything that he has—he gives us as our dowry.

Rejoice, believer, in your union to him who was numbered among the transgressors! And prove that you are truly saved by being manifestly numbered with those who are new creatures in him.