Isaiah, who prophesied centuries before God the Son came to earth, gave numerous details of the coming Messiah that have been perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. Among Isaiah’s messianic prophecies is the 53rd chapter and preceding verses, in which the Messiah is described as the LORD’s servant who would suffer for us.
The passage begins with the words “Behold, my servant will deal wisely” (Isa. 52:13a). It is striking to see Deity referred to as “my servant.” Yet, there has never been a greater example of servitude than the Son of God.
This is a key theme of Isaiah 53. Though the Son has existed from eternity and took part in creation (John 1:1-3), He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:7-8).
Isaiah 52:13 goes on to say, “He will be exalted and lifted up, and will be very high.” The perfect example of humility (Phil. 2:3-8) is also the perfect example of the humble being exalted (Phil. 2:9-11). Christ’s exaltation was shown by His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father (1 Pet. 3:22).
Prior to His ascension, though, Jesus faced intense rejection (Isa. 53:1).
His rejection is perhaps not surprising when we consider how “unimpressive” His life was from man’s perspective. This is the idea in the second part of Isaiah 53:2, which says, “He has no good looks or majesty. When we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”
Jesus’ greatness was very different from what the world typically looks for. Moreover, by accepting the sufferings that were part of the Father’s will for Him, Jesus accepted being esteemed a “failure” by many.
These sufferings are further described in verse 3, which says “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering and acquainted with grief. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect Him.”
Astonishingly, the mistreatment Jesus faced was assumed to be a result of His own wrongdoing. Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely He has borne our sickness and carried our suffering; yet we considered Him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted.” Those who delivered Him up to be crucified (wrongly) treated it as punishment for His blasphemy (Matt. 26:65-66).
The real wrongdoing that necessitated Jesus’ going to the cross is brought out in Isaiah 53:5: But He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on Him; and by His wounds we are healed. It was not Christ’s sin that prompted His crucifixion, but the sins of people like you and me.
This thought is continued in verse 6, which says “All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Notice the word “all” at both the beginning and end of this verse. No matter how good we are from the world’s perspective, each of us who has reached a point of accountability before God needs the salvation Jesus’ death makes possible.
Jesus was aware of the sufferings He would have to face in order to offer us this gift. He had the power to avoid such hardships. Yet, He willingly and meekly endured them (Isa. 53:7). He endured severe misjudgment (Isa. 53:8a). He was characterized as a common criminal, though He never sinned (verse 9).
One of the most remarkable points concerning Jesus’ sufferings is brought out at the end of Isaiah 53. Verse 12 says He “made intercession for the transgressors.” Jesus desired forgiveness for the very people who delivered Him up to die. As He was being crucified, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
He likewise desires forgiveness for each of us. Instead of harboring resentment against us for sinning and causing Him to have to go the cross, Jesus wants each of us to accept the gift He gave His life for.
– Michael Hickox