Read Isaiah 53:1-12
Doesn’t it boggle your mind to read Isaiah’s words given to him by God generations before Jesus embodied them? They couldn’t more perfectly describe what our LORD endured. On Holy Saturday, as Jesus’ body lies in the tomb, asleep yet battling death, we remember.
When do you think people connected the dots and realized that Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of Jesus? How do people today react to this prophecy? Reading it through the “lens of Holy Week” the richness of the message is even more powerful.
What images from this passage jumped out to you? I had several I’d like to share.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
verse 3b
He was despised, and we did not care.
Even today, many people turn their backs on Jesus. Some don’t know any better. Most make that choice and don’t even give it another thought. To them, Easter is only about pastel colored eggs, the Easter bunny, and lots of chocolate. I am a bit of a chocolate fiend myself, but not even chocolate can tempt me to look the other way and forget what Jesus did for me.
In his day, he was despised out of jealousy. Jesus had a power they couldn’t understand. What is our excuse today?
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
verse 5
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
What a brutal way to show us how much he loves us. Jesus felt every blow and yet he didn’t stop them. God’s plan was playing out, can you imagine what Jesus must have been feeling? Now today, Jesus rests in the tomb, his body bruised and torn for you and me.
No one cared that he died without descendants,
verse 8b
that his life was cut short in midstream.
What would have happened if Jesus hadn’t died that day? He was a young man. How many more people could he have drawn into his ministry if he had more time? How many more people could have been healed and restored to health?
Jesus knew he had to pass the torch to his followers. The power of God that was fueling Jesus’ ministry was available to them as well as to us. How are we using that power to further Jesus’ work here on earth?
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
verse 11a
he will be satisfied.
Jesus’ work on earth was finished with his victory over the grave. Many people follow him and adore him still today. Jesus’ legacy lives on in each of his followers who stay true and live in ways that honor God. Because of what Jesus did, many will be counted righteous.
Jesus made a way for us to approach God the Father. He did that so we could build a relationship, the most important relationship possible. A bit of God’s order was restored when Jesus ushered in the new covenant, the promise of salvation. What a huge accomplishment! How do you show Jesus your appreciation for what he has done?
Let’s pray. LORD, may I never forget what you have done for me. May I never turn the other way or ignore you and your splendor. Speak to my heart today and show me the way. I want to live a life that reflects you, that carries on your objective for this world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be used by you. I am humbled. Forgive me when I stumble. Keep my feet firmly in your word. I love you, LORD. In your precious name, Amen.
