Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (53:4-5)
Before the dawn one Friday morning, a strong, handsome young man walked the alleys of the city. The six-feet-four man with arms like tree limbs was pulling an old cart filled with new clothes. He called in a clear, tenor voice: "Rags! New rags for old! I'll take your tired rags!"