Most Jewish synagogues don't allow the 53rd chapter of Isaiah to be read. But this precious chapter is quoted extensively in the New Testament. In fact, it is central to God's plan of redemption. It was prophecied nearly 700 years before Christ and it speaks with so much detail about the coming Redeemer.
Here we are told about God's strong right arm sending out His Servant, but no one believing on Him. The Messiah was to come from King David's line, but that royal family was no longer on the throne of Judah. Christ came to earth like a humble root out of dry ground, in a way that we would not have expected for a King. But God was carrying out His plan in His own way. Jesus was hated, despised, and accused of being in league with Satan. His family thought he was crazy and His own disciples deserted Him. He was familiar with pain and suffering – but why? Because He had to be just like us – except for being sinful – in order to save us! Our Savior needed to be fully human as well being fully God. As verse 4 of this chapter tells us, He has carried our grief and endured our sorrows. We are ordinary people, but we needed an extraordinary Savior – Jesus Christ! |
