Humiliation of the Servant
July 5, 2025
Commentary
This chapter continues to speak of Jesus, who would suffer for the sins of the whole world (v. 1). In this passage we see the personal Messiah who alone can atone for sin and yet His message is rejected. His strength is shown by humility, suffering and mercy. There was nothing beautiful or majestic in the physical appearance of this Servant, but He would bring salvation and healing (v. 2). The healing described in this verse is spiritual in nature. The man of sorrows was despised and rejected by those around Him (v. 3). This is a most appropriate description for one who would be physically crucified for our sins and thereby suffered both pain and injuries for us.
God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah’s day look ahead to the suffering of the future Messiah and the forgiveness made available to all mankind (vv. 4-5). Christ was not judged because of any failure of His own, but rather He was wounded for our transgressions (sins). While the doctrine of atonement does not rest upon this passage alone, it is obvious that it gives clear support to it. Isaiah is declaring that He bore the guilt of our sins and that He was our substitute.
Isaiah speaks of Israel straying from God and compares them to wandering sheep (v. 6). Yet God would send His Son to bring them back to His fold. In the Old Testament, people offered animals as sacrifices for their sins. He is the lamb offered for the sins of all people (v. 7). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophet further details the exact events related to the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ (vv. 8-9). While wicked men were personally responsible for His death, this passage makes it clear that the ultimate cause of His death was the plan and purpose of God (vv. 10-11). The chapter ends with the glorification and exaltation of the Lord (v. 12).
Application
God choose to save the world through a humble servant, rather than a glorious King. God often works in ways we don’t expect. I want to be ready to let Him use me in ways I cannot imagine.
Isaiah 53:1–12 (NET)
1 Who would have believed what we just heard? When was the Lord’s power revealed through him?
2 He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him.
3 He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant.
4 But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done.
5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.
6 All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him.
7 He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth.
8 He was led away after an unjust trial — but who even cared? Indeed, he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded.
9 They intended to bury him with criminals, but he ended up in a rich man’s tomb, because he had committed no violent deeds, nor had he spoken deceitfully.
10 Though the Lord desired to crush him and make him ill, once restitution is made, he will see descendants and enjoy long life, and the Lord’s purpose will be accomplished through him.
11 Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done. “My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins.
12 So I will assign him a portion with the multitudes, he will divide the spoils of victory with the powerful, because he willingly submitted to death and was numbered with the rebels, when he lifted up the sin of many and intervened on behalf of the rebels.”
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