Sunday, November 17, 2013

THE SUFFERING SERVANT: Isaiah 53

DAY 17: THE SUFFERING SERVANT    
     
LINK: Isaiah 53   
                       
Symbol: Cross

Read the account of the crucifixion in Matthew 26:57 -27:66 (adapt for younger kids). 

Was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in Jesus? 

What specific details were fulfilled? For example, Isaiah 53:7 . . . “like a sheep that is silent before its sheerer” . . . Matthew 26:63; 27:12. 

Read Matthew 26:56. Why is it important that all the prophecies about Jesus’ death were fulfilled?


BBC BACKGROUND from Isaiah 53

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

Parts of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 are quoted in the New Testament:


52:15     in Romans 15:21

53:1       in John 12:38 and Romans 10:16
53:4       in Matthew 8:17
53:7-8    in Acts 8:32-33
53:9       in 1 Peter 2:22
53:12     in Luke 22:37

It prophesies of a servant Messiah who would suffer and die for our transgressions.  He would be "disfigured, despised, stricken, afflicted, pierced through, crushed, oppressed, cut off, and numbered with the transgressors." This would pay the penalties for our transgressions and purchase our redemption. We would be "bought out of slavery," and the purchase price would cost us nothing, but Him, everything.  With this, we would have peace and healing. 


His death satisfied God's righteous demands for judgment against sin leading to salvation for everyone who believes!

WOOHOO!


REFLECTION/APPLICATION


It is such a paradox that the sad news of the suffering Servant is GOOD NEWS for sinning sheep!  


Pray through Isaiah 53:5-6 today and let it be your prayer of commitment if you do not already know this suffering Servant as your Savior!


These are also wonderful verses to memorize.


PRAYER through Isaiah 53:5-6

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, 
He was crushed for our iniquities; 
The chastening for our well-being (peace) fell upon Him, 
And by His scourging we are healed.
(And in His wounding, we found our healing. The Passion Translation)

All of us like sheep have gone astray, 
Each of us has turned to his own way; 
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all 
To fall on Him.

1 comment:

Carol Ann Weaver said...

I remember exactly where I was and when it was that this passage just grabbed my heart (1983 in Eugene, Oregon). I wrote a song from it. By his wounding, we are healed! So grateful this morning.