Takeaway // Everything points to Jesus.
Five surprises found in Isaiah 53.
1. The rejection of Christ.
Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?
– Isaiah 53:1 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:1 (HCSB)
The prophet, as if present during Messiah’s ministry on earth, is deeply moved to see how few believed on Him
– Jamieson
– Jamieson
Even though He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him. But this was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?
– John 12:37-38 (HCSB)
– John 12:37-38 (HCSB)
2. The regular appearance of Christ.
He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.
– Isaiah 53:2-3 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:2-3 (HCSB)
3. The range (or extent) of Christ’s suffering
Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
– Isaiah 53:4-5 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:4-5 (HCSB)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. He was taken away because of oppression and judgment; and who considered His fate? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of my people’s rebellion.
– Isaiah 53:7-8 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:7-8 (HCSB)
Just as many were appalled at You—His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being
– Isaiah 52:14 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 52:14 (HCSB)
I gave My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting.
– Isaiah 50:6 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 50:6 (HCSB)
4. The reason for Christ’s suffering.
Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.
– Isaiah 53:4-6 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:4-6 (HCSB)
5. The reaction of God to Christ’s suffering
Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him severely. When You make Him a restitution offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and by His hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.
– Isaiah 53:10 (HCSB)
– Isaiah 53:10 (HCSB)
Does this mean that the Father rejoiced in His Son’s suffering and death? No. But it pleased Him to see the work of salvation completed, the sacrifice accepted, and sin atoned for. Now a holy God could, in His grace, save undeserving sinners.
– Wiersbe
– Wiersbe
He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.
– John 1:11-12 (HCSB)
– John 1:11-12 (HCSB)
Five surprises found in Isaiah 53:
- The rejection of Christ
- The regular appearance of Christ.
- The range of Christ’s suffering
- The reason for Christ’s suffering
- The reaction of God to Christ’s suffering
Discussion Questions //
- Why do you think so many people rejected Jesus in his day? Why do you think people reject Jesus these days?
- Read Isaiah 53:1-2. Why is there so much humility around Jesus’s birth, life and death?
- Read Isaiah 53:3-9 and Psalm 22:1, 6-8, 14-18. What are some of the ways Jesus suffered for us, based on these verses?
- Why did Jesus need to suffer and die for us? Why was God pleased with his sacrifice?
- Read Isaiah 53:10-12. In what ways does Isaiah’s prophecy have a happy ending?
- How should we live in light of Christ’s sacrifice for us?
Holy Week Devotionals //
Known as Holy Week, the events from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday make up the most significant days in history. We invite you to journey alongside us through Holy Week to chronologically retrace Jesus' final steps and reflect on the moments leading to His death, burial, and resurrection.
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