The Heart of Redemption – Isaiah 53
Isaiah points toward Christ.
Without a doubt, Isaiah 53 is the greatest chapter in the Old Testament. It is the heart of all that there is in redemption.
- This chapter contains the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the rejection of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the mistreatment and trial of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the voluntary death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the priesthood of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
- This chapter contains the basis of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ
Therefore, knowing that this entire chapter points to Jesus Christ, let us think of its importance to us!
In its context, this chapter begins by pointing to Jesus as a servant (52:13), and it ends by pointing to Jesus as a servant (53:11), showing His humility, even throughout His death. Moreover, this section also begins (52:13) by showing that this servant is the personification of wisdom (cf. Col. 3:2) and would be exalted (Phil. 2:9-11).
Isaiah begins with the words, “Who hath believed our report?” (53:1). This is not raising the question, “Who believed it?” Rather, this raises the question, “Who would have thought about God using this method of redeeming humanity, or in other words, who has believed what we have heard?” Considering this, we note that Paul speaks of this very same thing concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ and the cross (1 Cor. 1:18-2:9). Isaiah continues, “To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” This takes our minds forward to the time when a particular eunuch from Ethiopia is reading from this very section of Isaiah and requests guidance from Philip in understanding about whom the prophet is speaking (cf. Acts 8:28-35). In other words, it takes revelation to conceive of the redemptive plan of God, especially since His birth and life defy human logic (53:2).
Then, we begin to see His rejection (53:3). Be sure to follow the pronouns: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah is including himself among the ones who rejected him, and this group of individuals includes you and me! How did Jesus react to such rejection by humanity? “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet, we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (53:4). Knowing that we would reject Him, He still sacrificed Himself for us; knowing that we would despise Him, He still took care of our needs, just as Matthew shows by fulfillment (cf. Matt. 8:17).
How did it happen? Isaiah answers this: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed” (53:5). In other words, He was “smitten of God,” but not because of His own personal sins; the blow that fell on Him is that which should have fallen on us! Yet, we all are responsible—mark the use of the word “all” is in the next verse (53:6); the verse begins and ends with this little word. Not only do righteous people suffer (i.e., Job), but the Sinless One suffered, too. Therefore, it was a “vicarious” (in our place, which Isaiah mentions in eleven expressions in Isaiah 53:4-6, 8, 10, 12) suffering. Moreover, this chapter describes the essence of sin—it is the expression of our own will—“…we have turned everyone to his own way…” (cf. Matt. 6:10; 16:24). Such selfishness only leads to separation!
Here is how He was treated, showing His voluntary suffering (53:7), and we see what happened to Him (53:8). He was crucified with thieves (53:9), and a rich man (Joseph of Arimathaea) buried His body (cf. John 19:38-42).
Yet, God looked at Jesus far differently than from how humanity looked upon Him (53:10). This ultimate chapter closes with the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ (53:11; cf. Heb. 9:24-28), as well as the priesthood and intercession of Jesus Christ (53:12). Volumes could be written from these twelve verses! May these humble words invoke greater study into the heart of redemption, and lead us to appreciate the vicarious suffering and sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf!