Every once in a while I like to review some of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. These prophecies – some written many hundreds of years before Christ – were perfectly fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The truth is, mathematically speaking, that if Jesus is not the Messiah, there never can be one.
There are many prophecies to chose from, Isaiah 53-54, Psalm 22, and the portion of Psalms that was sang on at the Passover meal called the Great Hallel (Psalm 113-118). These prophecies will not only make you more sure than ever that Jesus is the promised one, but will warm your heart with the knowledge that Jesus suffered each lash, thorn and nail specifically with you in mind.
The Suffering Servant
Today, let’s focus on Isaiah 53 – this is literally one of the most quoted messianic prophecies within many Christian circles today – yet so many miss so many important things therein. The chapter opens with, “Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” This is referring to the Jewish people of Jesus’ day (and gentiles, I suppose) who simply did not understand why the Messiah would be suffering, or the meaning to the coming prophecy.
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Now, what so many here miss is the true meaning of “sorrows and grief.” For some odd reason these verses are translated here differently than in most other verses where they appear. Yes, they do mean sorrow and grief – but so much more! The Hebrew meaning is sickness and pain… and in most other verses where these Hebrew words appear they are translated as such. He did suffer for our emotional healing (healing sorrows and grief) but also for our physical healing (sickness and pain).
Pleased to Crush Him
Verse 10,
But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
Look closely at what the prophet is saying here. It pleased the LORD to crush him. Why? Why would God have pleasure in punishing His only son? Let’s keep reading! It continues that if Jesus will offer Himself as an offering for guilt (a sin offering), He will see His offspring (you and me) and the pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
God was pleased to punish Jesus because He knew that through His punishment, His offspring (you and me) would be able to be forgiven and enter into relationship with Him, as sons and daughters of God. The very next verse says,
As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities.
Think about this! As the result of all Jesus went through He saw the good it would do for us and was satisfied! Literally He saw the cross and all the suffering – even being abandoned by His Father – and considered you and I worth that price! Hallelujah!
The book of Hebrews 12:1 puts it this way, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” That joy which was set before Him is you and me. So think of it this way: “Jesus, for the joy set before Him (you) endured the cross, despising (not considering) the shame.” That is how much you are worth to God. He loves you that much.
What Jesus Accomplished
So, what is the end result for the offspring of Christ? What does this do to the relationship between God and mankind? Truly, for those who accept Jesus, this same prophecy declares:
For this is like the days of Noah to Me,
When I swore that the waters of Noah
Would not flood the earth again;
So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
Nor will I rebuke you.
For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken, (Is. 54:9, 10)
Through faith in what Jesus did for us – taking our punishment so that we never have to – He promised never to be angry with us, never to rebuke us, and indeed never to leave or forsake us. (Heb. 13:5)
Conclusion
I hope that in seeing God’s deep love for you that you will make a decision to love Him in a deeper way than ever before. Perhaps you have never put your trust in what Jesus did for you on the cross. If you would like to, please pray a simple prayer, “God, thank you for loving me enough to send your Son Jesus to suffer the punishment that I deserved for all the things I done wrong, so that I can live in relationship with you and go to heaven to be with you forever one day. Jesus, I put my faith in you and trust you with my life, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
If you put your trust in what Jesus did for you – you are forgiven and God almighty lives on the inside of you. Continue to trust in Jesus, and if you have any questions we’d love to help you get answers. God bless you!