Isaiah 53 is one of the Bible passages where I feel like I need to take my "shoes off" (Exodus 3:5). It is one of the "Songs of the Suffering Servant" found in the book of Isaiah. The others are Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9 and some include 61:1-3. Jewish and Christian scholars are not in agreement about who the "Servant" is. Many Jewish scholars say the "Servant" represents the nation of Israel while Christian scholars see the "Servant" as Jesus. The writers of the New Testament certainly believed the passage was connected with Jesus. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as Peter, Paul, and Phillip all quote Isaiah 53 in speaking of Christ!
One of the most powerful sermons I ever heard was on this text. Dr. Jesse Boyd of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C. was the preacher that day. His strong, steady demeanor, large physical frame and deep, powerful voice enhanced his presentation but...it was his gripping expostion of the suffering of Jesus for us that brought tears to my eyes and an overwhelming awe to my heart. I hope I never forget the impact of that sermon!
Ephesians 1:7 tells us that we have forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. His shed blood (shed by torture and crucifixion) is the foundation of our forgiveness before God. This forgiveness is brought about because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin = THE SUBSTITUTE. Consequently, we are now to also be forgiving of others since the Lord has forgiven us as taught in Colossians 3:13.
Allow me to close with a doxology from Revelation 1:5b, 6b "...To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood...to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen."
See you Sunday!
1. The prophet Isaiah is quoted around 80 times in the New Testament. Study some of the quotes from Isaiah 53:1-6 found in the N.T.: Matthew 8:17; Mark 9:12; John 12:32; Romans 10:16; 1 Peter 2:24. Can you locate some other quotes from the book of Isaiah in the N.T.?
2. Isaiah 53 was actually used to help bring the Gospel to Africa. Read the evangelistic encounter in Acts 8:26-39. Who is the evangelist (Acts 21:8) and who is the new convert?
3. What is the connection between Christ's suffering and the forgiveness of our sins? Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:6
4. The concept of the Substitute is seen in the sacrifices of the Old Terstament where the animal died to "atone' for the sins of the people. (Leviticus 6:6,7) How is Jesus described in the following verses? John 1:29-36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6-12
5. Hebron Church foundations its ministry and membership on six essential Bible doctrines. #5 in our Membership book is "The Substitutionary Death of Christ". What does that phrase mean? Can you find Scriptures to define and defend this teaching?
