This is a difficult passage to read. We have discovered so far during our Discovering the Bible Challenge that Jesus is the Messiah, and he came to serve. Today’s reading shows us Jesus also came to suffer for us. What love!
The words of John 3:16 ring out to me, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” The suffering and agony had a purpose and was part of God’s plan. Let’s unpack these verses a little bit.
Isaiah was a prophet used by God to call the people of Judah back to himself and to tell them about salvation through the Messiah. This prophecy we are reading today is astounding. It’s as if Isaiah could see perfectly what Jesus would endure during his life and death.
Have you ever thought about why God used a humble servant to save the world when he could have used a mighty warrior king? “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.” I read those words, and yet I look forward to the day when I will meet Jesus face to face. Beautiful or not, Jesus is my king, and I will be over the moon attracted to his presence.
How do you think Jesus felt when the people rejected him? I imagine God feels similar heartache today when people refuse to honor and follow him. Take a moment to reflect on that. Have you ever rejected God in your own life? Have you ever thought your way was better and simply forgot to ask God for his leading? I know I’m guilty of that. Lord, forgive me!
I was nearly in tears when I read these words, “Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.” Just sit with that thought for a while. Jesus carried all of that for you. You don’t have to lug it around anymore!
Images from the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ” haunt me as I read through these verses. I can’t help but see the bloody, disfigured face and body of our suffering servant. Yet, his eyes are so full of love. “He was beaten so we could be whole.” He wanted the best for you and me!
Jesus had lived a sinless life. “He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.” He went to this grave without complaint. He took each blow for us in silent endurance. How can we not be moved?
How are you feeling right now? A little numb, weepy, in awe? Perhaps we should rejoice! “And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.” What Jesus has done for us has made us right with God. It has given us access to the Father.
We see Jesus’ suffering was all part of God’s plan. He loved us that much! For that, I am grateful. The word, “grateful,” doesn’t quite encompass the depth of my feeling of thankfulness, but I’m confident God knows my heart.
Let’s pray. Jesus, thank you for what you endured for me. My words can’t begin to express the depth of my feelings. Your sacrifice renders me speechless. I cherish the relationship I have with you and look forward each day to drawing closer to you and helping others do the same. Use me for the purpose you have made me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
