The Shepherd's Sacrifice For His Sheep

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

As we conclude Holy Week, let us look at one prophecy from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, which speaks of the sacrifice and price that our Savior paid for our salvation, more than any other Old Testament prophecy.  Isaiah’s prophecy, written many hundreds of years before Jesus, speaks of the atonement He made on our behalf.

As Isaiah set out to give his report, his message from God, he knew that there were many that would not believe, nor accept what he was saying (vs. 1).  The same is true today. In spite of all the evidence we have for Jesus, and the truth of His Word, there are still so many who will not believe. Let’s open our hearts and minds as we look at this passage together, and accept the truth the Lord is telling us.

Most paintings that we’ve seen of Jesus dying on the cross seem to be fairly tame, not really depicting the horrendous torture of the events of Good Friday. Here in the opening verses of our Scripture passage, Isaiah states that what Jesus endured was so terrible He scarcely looked human (vs. 14-15). What Jesus went through was beyond comprehension, yet because of His obedience, He would be raised up and exalted (vs. 13).  The rulers of this world, who have scorned and rejected Jesus, will be speechless and in awe when the Suffering Servant returns, exalted and powerful (vs. 15). Jesus looked beyond the cross and what He was to endure, knowing what the end result would be (Hebrews 12:2).

As we read verse 2 we see that Jesus was a very ordinary looking person.  He did not have movie star or professional athlete looks. People were not attracted to Him because of His looks.  Rather, they were attracted to Jesus because of His Words, His healings, and His loving, merciful Spirit. As followers of Jesus, our looks don’t matter. Instead, we should be attracting people to the Savior by what we say and how we act. Jesus was despised and rejected by many people during His day. He is, also, by mankind today.  As Christians, we cannot expect any better treatment than Jesus received (Matthew 10:25).

All of the suffering that Jesus went through - the mockings, beatings, scourging, the crucifixion, that was all done for our salvation. Though He was sinless, He carried our sins to the cross. Yet the Jewish religious leaders who watched Jesus die, believed He was being punished for His own sins (vs. 4). They couldn’t have been further from the truth. Jesus was dying for their sins, for all of our sins.  Jesus died on the cross as our substitute (II Corinthians 5:21). He willingly died for us (John 10:17-18).  He was not captured and taken against His will.

We are like sheep (vs. 6).  Just like sheep we are not very bright, and are unable to take care of ourselves, defenseless against our enemy (Satan), and prone to wander into trouble.  Yet like the Good Shepherd He is, Jesus laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Isaiah pointed out here in this verse that like stubborn sheep, we’ve turned to go our own way.  Why does everything have to be “our way”? That’s been the source of man’s problems for ages. Why won’t we learn and do things God’s way?

Throughout the farce of a so-called trial, the torture of His scourging and then crucifixion, Jesus kept silent (vs. 7).  He never spoke up in protest, but was utterly submissive in order to redeem us. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to have a disgraceful death (vs. 9). Crucifixion was a shameful death, with public humiliation. Jesus’ burial, though, was honorable. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man who loved Jesus, gave Him his own nice tomb.

By His death, many have and will continue to gain eternal life and salvation (vs. 10-11).  Jesus would see this. In order for Him to see the fruit of His sacrifice, Jesus would have to rise from the dead, which He did three days later.

Who would ever have thought that God would save mankind with a Suffering Servant, rather than a glorious, powerful king?  Contrary to the accusations of many, who say that we have a weak God and Savior, Jesus showed His strength and power by being merciful, humble, and suffering for love of each of us.