βAnd the Scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And He was numbered with the transgressorsβ (MarkΒ 15:28).
The progressive fulfillment of this passage from Isaiah 53 is the amazing story of our Lordβs three baptisms. First, this prophecy must be applied to our Lordβs incarnation. Born a babe at Bethlehem, He was baptized into the human race, becoming, not merely one with us, but one of us, a true human being, though still also βvery God.β This is how He was first βnumbered with the transgressors.β
Later the Lord was baptized again, this time with water, by John the Baptist. Johnβs baptism was unto βrepentance for the remission of sinsβ and those who responded came to his baptism βconfessing their sinsβ (Mark 1:4,5). Little wonder that John at first refused to baptize this sinless One, saying: βI have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?β But the Lord insisted, saying: βThus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousnessβ (Matt. 3:13-15). Thus our Lord joined repentant sinners in baptism and was, in this practical way, βnumbered with the transgressors.β
But after His baptism into the human race and His subsequent baptism with water, our Lord spoke of a third baptism, saying: βI have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened [Lit., βWhat a spot I am inβ] till it be accomplished!β (LukeΒ 12:50). This third baptism was, of course, His death at Calvary, where He was baptized into Godβs judgment upon sin in order that He might save us from it.
Finally, then, Isaiah 53:12 was fulfilled, for it is in connection with His death at Calvary that Mark 15:27,28 says:
βAnd 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.β source
