DEATH OF OUR BELOVED LORD CONCEALED IN PROPHECY. ISAIAH 53
How audacious to reject the Lord‘s word. ‘Who has believed our report? Only proud man would do so. John, the beloved, expresses this, ‘He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to his own, and His own did not receive Him. Then the glorious exception, ‘But as many as received Him, to them he gave power (the right) to receive Him (crucified, buried and risen again), even to them who believe On His name.’ Paul quotes this in Romans 10, followed by that rich word, ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.’
To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Our Lord commended Peter in Matthew 16:17, ’Blessed are you Simon, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father who is in heaven.’ When we believed on our Lord Jesus, He revealed His strong, saving arm to us. We are so privileged.
Verse 2 focuses on His virgin birth, and His humanity. ’He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant.’ The angel Gabriel had confirmed His extraordinary conception. Dr Luke wrote, ‘She brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and laid Him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.’ He continued, ’The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.’ (v40) Paul expanded His tender plant concept, ’He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even ( amazingly ) the death of the cross.’ (Philippians) 2; 6, 7).
He was ‘A root out of dry ground‘. Like bulbs that pop out unsuspectingly. As the Rose of Sharon, his roots were in human soil, exposed to all natural changes our plants share.
Oh, the fragrance of our Rose of Sharon and the petaled beauty as His life unveiled.
‘HE has no form or comeliness’ refers to His human nature, his natural birth even from a miraculous conception, possibly from heavenly-implanted ovum (egg) and fertilized by the Holy Spirit. Dr Joe Devadatta from Vellore taught it. His physical stature acceptable, as he identified with us. Yet, ‘When we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.’ v 2.
Scorn, insults, and the upper lip are hard for mortals to bear. How much more when the Lord of creation is ’despised (looked on with contempt, and despicable) and rejected (ignored, spurned, disdained) of men.’
He did not bear His own sorrows - but ours. Surprisingly, Psalm 69 supports this sorrow-bearing, ‘When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting that became my reproach. I also made sackcloth my garment. I became a watchword to them. Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards.’ They mocked Him while enduring the torture of the cross. He is worthy of the harmony of our redeemed lives. ‘Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters’ of Calvary’s violent suffering. ‘Do not hide your face from Me,’ yet He cried ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.)’ ‘I looked for someone to take pity and there was none.’ And for comforters and found none. They also gave me gall for My food (actually carried out) and for my thirst they gave me vinegar (acetic acid) - (vv 10-21).
Christ acquainted (to recognise, acknowledge, or admit) Himself with our grief. Psalm 22 appropriately writes, ‘I am a worm, and no man, a reproach of men and despised of the people,. All those who see me laugh Me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake their head saying, He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue him, let Him deliver Him, seeing he delights in Him. ‘(Vv 6, 7, 8.
He carried the burden of our sorrows.
Shamefully, ’We hid, as it were, our faces from Him.’ On the cross, our Father hid his face from His precious Son, when he became sin for us. Our vileness was contemptuous in his holy eyes.
‘He was despised and we did not esteem Him. ‘‘Our griefs He has borne and our sorrows He carried. We esteemed Him stricken and afflicted. Incredibly, ‘He was smitten by God, Who afflicted Him.’ (v 4) Peter reinforced this truth, borrowing much from this chapter of Isaiah. ’ ’Who himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins , might live to righteousness- by whose stripes we are healed.( 1 Pet 2:18) . Our lord’s scourging was foreseen in this prophecy, observed by Peter and recorded by the latter. The healing from His stripes is precious truth both in medical healing, spiritual wholeness and eternal perfection.
Peter continued in 3:18, ’ For Christ also suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God ( reconciliation ) being put to death in the flesh but made alive through the
Spirit.’ This tells why the Lord underwent the agonies of Isaiah 53.
Not one of His bones was broken’ an amazing prophecy, recognizing that disobedience to Pilate’s command to ‘Break their legs,’ possibly incurred execution for the soldier, who countermanded the Governor’s edict.
‘He was wounded for our transgressions‘, which are open, bleeding wounds. -or overt, expressed audibly (in oaths) or visibly (in rage or rejection).
Medical textbooks describe the nature of wounds, while our Lord bore the whole gamut of mutilation. Wounds include compression ( cords binding His wrists ) , perforation,( razor-like thorns ) penetrating ( nail driven through hands and feet ) , contused ( bruising of face ) , gouging,( scourging with iron and b one inserts ) lacerating ( spear thrust ) , whiplash, (involuntary response to the lash) incision ( spear in side ) , bleeding from sweat glands (contemplation of toxic rebellion) , Our transgressions are infringement, violation, breach, fault, invasion, fault, encroachment, error, sin. Reconnaissance planes see subtle changes; Israel detected Syrian nuclear activity- and responded.
Bruising is blood in the tissues. Lord’s Supper overlooks the grape juice, which is crushed under the feet of the grape pickers, illustrating the bruising of our dear Lord, and His trampling underfoot. (Hebrews 10). Bruising or crushed are hidden or covert iniquities. They are the intimate wrongs of life, from a hard or stony heart: being vicious, unrighteous, wicked, unjust, unfair, criminal, unprincipled, lawless, dissolute, immoral, profligate, disreputable, reprobate, foul, villainous, diabolical, fiendish, infernal.
He secured our peace. He made peace with God through the cross. Reconciliation was costly.
In the Hebrews letter 9:14, we read, ‘How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot unto God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. ‘Because of the cleansing and purifying value of our Lord’s crucifixion, Isaiah anticipated this by hundreds of years, to prepare Israel for this achievement. In spite of this, they crucified the Lord of glory.
‘He was wounded and bruised is fundamental for us believers, whom He set aside for His glory in His suffering for us. ‘We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (that is, all nations, peoples, manner of sin, time) Hebrews 10:10). This passage continues, ‘This man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God.’ How is this possible? ‘By one offering he has perfected for ever those who are being sanctified, 9v 14) ‘By his stripes we are healed is echoed in Peter’s epistle. (1 Peter 2:22)
Our waywardness and proneness to wander from a holy path is expressed in ’All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way.’ Did our Lord recall this passage as He told the parable of the lost sheep? Possibly. ’What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it. And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and when he comes home, he calls his friends and neighbours saying to them, Rejoice with me for I have found My sheep which was lost’ (Our deep need of restoration after rescue is stated in the passage which described our Lord’s atoning death. No coincidence. Luke 15:4-6)
God intervened, ‘The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (V6).
Abraham laid Isaac on the altar. The preceding chapter of Isaiah has this exceptional glimpse of our beloved Lord, ‘Many were astonished (numb, stupefied, appalled) at You.’ His visage was so marred (disfigured or corrupted) more than any man; and his form than the sons of man. (52:14) His entire bony structure was dislocated. 205 bones in each adult body. Every bone out of alignment. His pain was unspeakable and unbearable. An associated miracle was ‘Not a bone of his body was broken.’ This featured in the Passover Lamb as well as at Calvary.
Pressure is from the devil: whether oppression, depression, which is common in each community; or repression, stifling the witness. ‘He was oppressed and he was afflicted‘; to exact, or demand as a tyrant. Matthew shows the depth of the insistent goading and harassment of our beloved Lord, ‘Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, Are you the king of the Jews’? Notice his dignified response, ‘It is as you say.’ They badgered Him further, ‘While he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. ‘He opened not His mouth’. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, for they had murder in their hearts.
Our Lord refused to defend His just person even in self-defence, regardless of the high office of Caiaphas, Herod, Pilate or the Pharisees oppressing the woman, accused of adultery.
Mathew 26:63 When the Lord Jesus faced the unjust claim, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ The high priest rose, ‘Do you answer nothing? ‘Jesus kept silent. The high priest answered, ‘I adjure you by the living God (he addressed the eternal One) Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. ‘It is as you said, you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.‘ No defence of Himself.
His meekness and gentleness were seen ’He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so he opened not His mouth. A solitary command from Christ would bring legions of angels in righteous retribution. The shearers divested him of his covering, leaving Him destitute. He clothes us with His righteousness as white linen, all following His harrowing suffering for us. Joseph had his multi-colored coat ripped from him.
‘Repeated truth accents the heartless denial; He opened not His mouth.
670 years before the Lord Jesus was born of the virgin- and 400 years prior to the Romans introducing this brutal torture. Only the foreknowledge of our God could intricately describe death by such means as Isaiah did.
‘He was taken from prison.’ v8 And from judgment ( 4 invalid, illegal, unconstitutional trials in one night contravenes just law. This same Person has complete authority at the Great White throne, yet they robbed Christ of common justice on earth. Caiaphas had a measure of truth in his utterance, ‘You know nothing at all. Nor consider it expedient for us- that one man should die for the people, an d that the whole nation perish not.’’ (John 11:49) It was coldly political and intellectual, yet eternal truth shone through.
‘Who shall declare his generation’? Bonheoffer died as a martyr subjected to Nazi suspicion.
Archbishop Luwum died at the hands of Idi Amen. Auca Indians massacred 5 missionaries, who declared His generation. 3 Turkish bible society workers were tortured and dismembered.
Joseph of Arimathea did. ’ Pilate furiously maintained ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Every country has its martyrs, for his holy Name. One day it may cost us our lives to speak for Christ in our own dear nation. Let’s speak freely. Eg Antonelle, our helper for this week showed spiritual hunger, talked feel of Christian things, and promised to visit our web site.
He was cut off from the land of the living (v8). Who can grasp the depth of his Calvary sufferings? Cut off! Gangrene in a limb demands surgery, for the blood supply has been cut off.
No nourishment or oxygen enriches that limb. Christ the Giver of life was expelled from his own people. He never forfeited His entitlement.
‘For the transgression of My people He was stricken.’ v8 Our proxy stood in for us as Saviour.
From execution brutality at the place of a skull, he graduated to a tomb where only God’s people handled his body (v9). Indifferent to his security, Joseph of Arimathea firmly approached Pilate, requesting the body of his Lord- and ours. Pilate must have trembled with the devotion of this wealthy believer. He granted his request. Prophecy fulfilled. (V9) is unbelievable.
‘Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, for fear of the Jews asked Pilate that he might take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. He came and took the body of Jesus. Nicodemus supported Joseph, ‘For he came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen, with the spices. In the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. ‘He had done no violence (no wrong, cruelty or injustice) Strong‘s concordance. v9
There was no deceit in His mouth’ (subtlety, treachery).
Profound Mystery! How is it possible- that ’It pleased the Lord to bruise Him. ’
He has put Him to grief. How could a heavenly Father take pleasure in the devilish and inhuman assault on his beloved Son? Some thing is clear in Romans 8:32, ‘He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.’
A further explanation is in Galatians 3:13,’ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, ’Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’
‘In my place condemned He stood, sealed my pardon with his blood. Hallelujah what a Saviour.
‘The Lord Jesus presented Himself (his soul or the breathing person) as a ’sin offering’ to the Father on our behalf. When the Father accepted the offering, he released me from my guilt and shame. I am now free. I know why? I sing my Hallelujahs to the Lamb slain. v10
‘He shall see his seed’. v10 No greater joy. He came from a Buddhist home: Gwenda counted the idols in their sitting room. Nauseating. ‘I designed this highway; I built it.’ A Chinese engineer from Singapore gained an Adelaide (PhD) to the delight of his professor. Eminently successful in NZ .in building vast projects. Gave the Lord the glory for His achievements. Sweet wife an auditor. At Wayville Baptist, we shared many meals together. Hunger for God. Christ keeps each one in view. NZ Home open for Chinese to study God’s Word. What joy in glory.
‘He shall prolong his days.’ Eternal life- praise to our God will continue throughout eternity. Contrast days of celebration for footballers on winning earthly competition. No confused hangovers -only sustained joy. The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Some cults misinterpret this. Heavenly riches surpass earthly treasures.
His pleasure and prosperity are spiritual. They are eternal- not for time or our gratification.
Tell of my grandmother Elisabeth’s impact on my life. One football cost 5 shillings- equivalent of 30 loaves bread at tuppence (two pennies) each. A week’s allowance to reach a boy. My Gran insisted that I learn a chapter of the Bibl e - and she chose Isaiah 53. Praise the Lord for her wisdom.
He admits the soul’s labour throes. ’He shall see of the travail, and be satisfied.’ In childbirth travail is essential for the child to pass through the birth canal. So Christ must pass through the suffering of sin-bearing to produce every reborn believer in our Lord. Mothers will appreciate this. Our Lord intelligently understood all that was essential to provide our great salvation, ’Hence by His knowledge, my righteous servant shall justify man.’ He knew every step of redemption road. Simply, ’He shall bear their iniquities.’ No other reason given; nor necessary.
God as Father reserved great compensation for all his Son endured. ‘i will divide Him a portion with the great. This is largely forgotten truth, that’ When our Lord took captivity captive and gave gifts unto men, He took all the redeemed in hades home to heaven with Him. What a parade in the golden streets of heaven! What a fanfare awaited Him, when every instrument sprang into life. We shall share the triumph (booty) with our dear Lord, for ‘He shall divide the spoil with the strong. Why? ‘He poured out His soul unto death, which had no claim on Him as a sinless, perfect holy One, yet he tasted death for every man.’
12 Then Calvary is summarized as the heart of Isaiah 53:
‘He was numbered with the transgressors. Only the eternal Father could arrange 2 others to be crucified with his Son, one of whom would spend eternity with his newly-found Lord.
An unvarnished statement, ‘He bore the sin of many.’ Mine! Your’s too. Blessed be our Lord.
The unbroken prayer of our Lord Jesus continued unbroken from his intercession on the cross
(His seven condensed prayer pleas), until the moment he returns to claim His precious bride. Lord, teach us to pray! It is the secret power of most saints. Study their lives.
No Hebrew scholar will read this chapter for embarrassment and confusion. Scripture reveals how they crucified their Messiah, the Lord of glory. When they objected to Pilate’s title, they requested it be changed to ‘HE said, I AM the King of the Jews’. Worse still, they ignored the great I Am which established Him as the eternal Lord. Inexcusable! Some print this chapter separately to underscore the truth, which is by-passed by most Jewish scholars.
When 20 years of age, living in a small country town, I was unsure, indecisive.. Is the bible true? Can I trust the Word of God? Would I be ready when He came? The Lord reminded me of the chapter learned as a boy for a CE rally. I read it. It all came to mind. Hidden in the frontal cortex, waiting to move my heart. A golden chapter.
Oh, the power of the living word. Oh, the cleansing of the precious blood of the Lamb of God slain on Calvary. Oh, the gracious work of God’s Spirit to lead us to Calvary.