ISAIAH 53:1-3 THE SUFFERING SERVANT
This is the fourth and most compelling of Isaiah’s servant songs (52:13- 53:13). It contains the clearest description of the suffering Christ –although Isaiah never uses the name Christ – it did not exist in human speech yet. Isaiah begins with a sharp contrast: the Servant is valued by God, but rejected by man (52:13-15). Eager for a powerful ruler, God’s people see no beauty in the carpenter of Galilee, despite His good works (53:1-2). Despised by His own people Christ was a sufferer, not a conqueror (v. 3). His affliction might be seen as evidence of God’s displeasure, but His suffering actually is for us, that we might be healed by His wounds (blood). Time and time again, Isaiah calls the Messiah – the Suffering Servant.
Appearances are still deceiving. Let’s not look at a person’s cash, clothing or even their differences from us, but at their commitment and compassion. Probably, we all have heard the thought of how would we react if a man dressed in a long, torn robe with saddles and dirty feet came in our church before we knew that person was Jesus. The values that demonstrate human culture are far from the values held by God. What seems beautiful and majestic to most human beings has no attraction for God. The true beauty of Jesus was His willingness to suffer and the true majesty was in His humility. We need to concentrate on making ourselves beautiful – to God!
It is hard for me to understand why so many of the Jewish people have refused to accept Jesus with all of the Old Testament signs, prophecy, fulfilled promises, and proof that Jesus is the savior for which they were looking. It may be somewhat easier to understand how non-Jews (today or back in Jesus’ day), with little or no Old Testament knowledge have rejected Him. However, we must not misunderstand Jesus’ purpose. He came to save -not to rule or conqueror. Isaiah says it so clearly that He dies “for the transgression of My people”- yet so many of Isaiah’s people rejected Him and so many still do! Isaiah also believed strongly that the “Suffering Servant” would come for all- even Gentiles. Isaiah was so instrumental in setting the stage for the Gentiles to accept salvation.
This is the message we need to be prepared to tell everyone, in a gentle, loving way. No matter who “they” are or what their appearance, we need to show the love and humility of Jesus. He showed that love and humility in His life and in His death.
Prayer
As we praise your name, we seek your help, wisdom, healing, patience, love, mercy and grace. We thank you for your blessings each day and for the promise of eternal salvation if we but believe, confess and commit. We ask for the Holy Spirit to be present with us and to guide as we seek your will for our lives. Lord, help us to share your love with others and give us the humility to serve you.
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