Isaiah 53:1-12
Wednesday, 27 March 2024
But He was pierced for our offenses,
He was crushed for our wrongdoings;
The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him,
And by His wounds we are healed.”– Isaiah 53:5 [NASB]
The Servant Song of Isaiah 53 pointing to Jesus Christ is a poignant passage, oft quoted, recited and referred to by many Christians! Centuries before its fulfilment in Christ, Isaiah’s prophecy so aptly describes the Passion of Christ.
Isaiah 53:6 points to the fallen state of all humankind, far from their Creator: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way;” Having lost their way from God and got caught in the mire of sin, man needed to be saved! In Isaiah 53, that way provided by the LORD is revealed. Long before we were born, God had already established a way of help for all of us—to rescue us from sin and its effect, death. It was done in God’s own plan and in His own unique way! That plan of saving mankind from the iron fist of sin was revealed through Jesus Christ! The chapter portrays the suffering and death of Jesus Christ who is referred to as ‘the Righteous One, MY Servant’ (Isaiah 53:11).
God laid the iniquity of us all (V.6) on Jesus, His only begotten Son so that we would be forgiven and made right with Him and receive eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” For every sin you and I committed, Christ received the just punishment— He was bruised for our iniquities; (V.5). What an exchange dear friends, Jesus had done for you and me! Aren’t we humbled by the love He displayed on the cross for you and me?
In Verse 3, He is called the “Man of sorrows.” This expression means that He knew better than anyone the havoc that sin brings into human life. Because He is a “Man of sorrows,” He is able to comfort those who experience sorrow. He was born with a purpose!— given in V.4, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Yes, it is true Jesus has carried your sorrows and therefore you do not have to carry it anymore!! You can find a place where your sorrows can be handed over and then receive the peace and comfort that He offers.
When we look in the whole chapter, the following are the various expressions of the suffering Saviour given there: a)Rejected b) Despised c) Oppressed d) Misunderstood e) Punished f) Wounded g) Substituted for our sins
We are familiar with each of the above experiences, either having happened or can happen in our lives too –all of them produce a pain inducing sorrow. God is referring you to a human counsellor, but a “Wonderful Counsellor”– Jesus Christ who already took your sorrow upon Him! Since He is acquainted with sorrows, HE can immediately understand yours and sympathize with you.
Can you approach the ‘Man of Sorrows’ and sincerely open up your sorrows or burdens you may have carried all these years without being relieved? Remember that “….He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).
Place your sin and your burdens at the foot of the cross— He willingly hung there with a purpose – to bear your sorrows and release you from it and give you joy! Receive the wonderful exchange in Christ!
Receive the promise: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness…” (Psalm 30:11)
Listen: 'Burdens are lifted at Calvary'