Isaiah 53
by Pastor David Groendyk

How will the salvation of God’s people described in the previous chapters come about? It will be through the sacrificial suffering of God’s chosen servant. So even though Judah would return from exile long before Jesus was born, full salvation and return and restoration would not happen until this servant would come on the scene. Even though this is an Old Testament passage written 700 years before Christ was born, we have in Isaiah 53 one of the clearest and most explicit descriptions of what Christ did on earth. As you read this chapter, generally speaking, keep in mind that “he” refers to Christ, and “we” or “our” refers to God’s people. Notice these qualities about Jesus and what he did.

Jesus was a rejected man (vv. 1–3). He was not someone to whom the crowds would flock because of his natural beauty. He was despised, hidden from, and considered to be nothing. He knows what it means to be filled with sorrow and grief. Jesus was a hated man, and he was not believed. We should have confidence that the one who intercedes for us before the Father’s throne knows what it’s like to struggle. He knows what it’s like to have a hard life, and he knows what we need. But it should also cause us to reflect on the ways that we ourselves reject Jesus. Isaiah says, “We esteemed him not.” It’s not just those outsiders out there who don’t follow Christ. We ourselves also have a rebellion problem. In what ways do you see yourself rejecting Christ and his message? What encouraging word does the rest of this chapter speak to rebels?

Jesus had our sin laid on him (vv. 4–6). Our transgressions and iniquities were laid on his back. Although we are wayward people always straying from God to go our own ways, we do not bear that sin ourselves any longer. More than that, even all of the nasty effects of sin in our lives—our griefs, sorrows, and afflictions—Jesus has taken upon himself and understands fully. If you feel burdened by your sin, know this: Jesus has taken your burden for you. If you have put your faith in Christ, your guilt and shame do not follow you around any longer. Assurance of forgiveness and the power to put that sin to death are both yours in Christ. Pray and ask for his help in appropriating those truths in your life.

Jesus died for us although he remained innocent (vv. 7–9). He didn’t complain, nor did he cry out about the injustice he was facing. He silently suffered at the hands of wicked men, and he willingly suffered the wrath of God and punishment of hell at the hands of his own Father. He had never done anything wrong in his entire life, but he was judged and executed as a criminal in our place. Why did he suffer so silently? Because he knew that it was all worth it to bring about eternal life for his chosen people. See what love the Father has for his beloved! Although he was totally righteous, he chose to suffer and die on our behalf. What an amazing thing that Jesus would do for you!

Jesus was victorious (vv. 10–12). Just because it was an unjust execution doesn’t mean it wasn’t exactly what was supposed to happen. Everything that happened to Jesus was according to what the Lord himself had willed to happen. That means that even Jesus’ death was God’s victory. More than that, Jesus did not remain an executed criminal. Even in these verses we get the hint that the servant would somehow survive this execution. As bizarre as that sounds, we know that God raised Jesus back to life, thus vindicating him from all the injustice and giving Jesus the ultimate victory. Everything that happened to Jesus was meant to make those who are guilty righteous before God’s sight. That is what the Father, the Son, and the Spirit had set out to do, and that’s what was accomplished. Praise God that, in his infinite wisdom, he would design a plan such as this to bring about eternal life and salvation and joy for those whom he loves! Rejoice in the fact that God loves you like this!