Week 7: The Messiah Who Humbly Suffered Isaiah 52:13–Isaiah 53Hook

Main Point: The humble servant suffered to fulfill God’s plan and secure our salvation.

No one can deny the impact Steve Jobs has had on our current world. His innovative work at Apple on the iMac, iPhone, and iPad revolutionized not simply the way we type papers or make phone calls, but the way we live our entire life. Simply noting that 90.1 million Americans use an iPhone indicates the vast influence his life and work continue to have even after death.1

Yet, Steve Jobs would not have been described as “kind” by some.2 He reportedly mistreated other people, berated employees, and, for a time, even refused to acknowledge his own daughter. Despite all this, the world still sees Steve Jobs as a singular visionary who changed our entire existence. While he was a larger-than-life personality, his life stands in stark contrast to the type of leader discussed in Isaiah 52–53. While Steve Jobs may have started in humble circumstances, he eventually lived life in the bright lights of this world. In contrast, the humble

1 “Number of IPhone Users in the US 2012-2016 | Statistic,” Statista, n.d., https://www.statista.com/statistics/232790/forecast-of-apple-users-in-the-us/.2 Dylan Love, “16 Examples of Steve Jobs Being a Huge Jerk,” Business Insider, n.d., http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-jobs-jerk-2011-10.

servant of Isaiah 52–53 lives and dies in obscurity, only later to be confirmed as the one, true Messiah whereby we receive gifts not even Steve Jobs can give: eternal life and peace.

How many of you used an Apple product this week or use one regularly? Would you be willing to part with your Apple device?

What makes a great leader?

Why does the world revere a man like Steve Jobs even with all his personal faults?

Week 7: The Messiah Who Humbly Suffered Isaiah 52:13–Isaiah 53Book

Main Point: The humble servant suffered to fulfill God’s plan and secure our salvation.

Text Summary: Isaiah 52:13–Isaiah 53 Isaiah’s suffering servant seems to break every convention of a great leader. The suffering servant lives humbly, entering this world in obscure circumstances. This humble servant lives an innocent life yet dies a painful death. Can this be how God succeeds? Yes! The humble servant follows God’s plan, overcoming sin and securing redemption for his people.

Isaiah 52:13–15 [Read]Sub-Point: Jesus humbly suffered through life to reveal God’s eternal wisdom.

It’s always difficult for human beings to grasp the notion that God acts in mysterious ways. As Isaiah would later proclaim in chapter 55, God’s ways are higher than our ways as far as the heavens are high above the earth (Isaiah 55:9). Yet, Isaiah’s description in Isaiah 52 and 53 still surprises the reader. This prophetic word reveals a singular suffering servant yet to come who would totally baffle the entire world. While this servant would possess the very wisdom of God in heaven, he would shock the world by both his appearance and coming (vv. 13–14). In fact, Isaiah uses the same combination of words (“raised and lifted up”) here in chapter 52 as he used when describing God’s exaltation in Isaiah 6.3 Even if this servant appeared foolish and insignificant, Isaiah is giving very strong hints that this servant will be so much more than he appears to be.

Further, this servant is not an attractive figure like so many of the world’s conquerors have been or appeared to be.4 This servant would not come to earth to live comfortably. Rather, the suffering servant would be unassuming and ordinary, ultimately rejected by men (v. 15). He is categorically different than any other leader, ruler, or king who has walked the earth.

Verse 14 hints at both the commonness of the servant as well as kind of suffering he would experience. In speaking of a “marring” of the one as the “children of mankind,” the suffering servant would come to take away the sins of the world but no one would pay attention to him.5 Rather, he would be totally rejected to confirm the wisdom of God in contrast to the deep folly

3 Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 204.4 John N. Oswalt, Isaiah (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010), 585.5 Oswalt, Isaiah, 585.

of human understanding. Despite all appearances to the contrary, this suffering servant fulfills God’s purposes, subverts man’s wisdom, and embodies the full wisdom of God.

The coming servant will be totally unexpected, and every aspect of his coming will be a surprise to the nations of the world (v. 15). He looks different than what’s expected for a leader. He lives differently from the prominent figures of the day. In fact, this new kind of leader would reveal truths that would silence national leaders, typically renowned for their breadth of understanding (v. 15). All the prominent, grand leaders of the world will only be able to stand silent before the divine wisdom of this humble servant to come.

It’s very clear that Isaiah’s words may be delivered to Judah but will have distinct consequences for all the nations.6 The Hebrew word sometimes translated “sprinkle” in verse 15 might also be rendered as “surprise.”7 In understanding the term as “sprinkle,” there is a sense that the suffering servant will purify the nations, fulfilling a justified purge of wickedness and evil never before experienced in human history. Thus, God reveals that the entire world would be startled by both the appearance and the actual advent of the suffering servant who will bring true righteousness and holiness through his sprinkled blood (Matthew 26:28; Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7).

What kind of Messiah does the world expect or want for themselves? How does this square with Isaiah’s description of a suffering servant?

How would you describe a wise person? What does the world see as wisdom?

How can we follow Christ’s example of humbly following God’s will?

Isaiah 53:1-3 [Read]Sub-Point: Jesus humbly endured man’s prideful rejection.

Continuing the ideas of the end of chapter 52, Isaiah begins chapter 53 with two questions focusing attention on man’s reception of the suffering servant (v. 1). These questions anticipate a less-than-ideal reception seen in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life (Luke 4:14–30).8 Isaiah asks, “Who has believed in this suffering servant?” Sadly, not many believed in him. Isaiah asks, “Who has seen the arm of the Lord at work?” Sadly, vast multitudes witnessed the suffering servant’s ministry yet without responding in faith.

6 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 205.7 Oswalt, Isaiah, 584.8 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 206.

In verse 2, Isaiah continues the thoughts of verse 1. Rather than being raised in total obscurity, hidden from the eyes of mankind, the humble servant grew up like everyone else in plain sight. Again, the world expected the promised Messiah to crash the scene with flashy, outlandish displays to catch attention or incite fearful respect. Instead, Isaiah describes the humble servant’s plain beginnings. As verse 2 explains, the humble servant grew slowly and deliberately like a plant. Even more, this plant grows in unexpected places, a dry patch of land (v. 2). The humble servant’s unassuming entrance and growth in the world elicits nothing from men. The Hebrew words “beauty,” “form,” and “majesty” hint at both physical features and quality of being and confirm the suffering servant’s ordinary disposition.9

Nothing about the humble, suffering servant draws attention to self but only focuses on his life and calling (v. 2). More directly, his life and calling involved intense suffering. As Isaiah indicates in verse 3, the humble servant’s existence was marked by sorrow and emotional pain; he was on a first-name basis with the trials of life.10 As Hebrews 4 affirms, Jesus lived a life of rejection and pain in fulfillment of God’s design for man’s redemption. Jesus, as the humble, suffering servant accepted the path of death and misery to face total rejection from His people. Greater still, we often reject Jesus, spurning His humble grace in search of self-satisfaction. As Isaiah puts it, “we” are the blind, rebellious people of God who ignore Christ (“hide our face”) yet desperately need His grace (v. 3).11

What reasons do people give for not placing their faith and trust in Jesus alone? What does the future hold for those who reject Christ?

How does Jesus’ rejection and suffering help us deal with our own trials?

What does the ordinariness of Jesus’ life teach us about the significance of our own daily life? How does Jesus’ rejection help us deal with the emotional scars of broken relationships?

Isaiah 53:4–6 [Read]Sub-Point: Jesus humbly bore our sin and shame to give us righteousness and peace.

In verses 4–6, Isaiah clearly connects the redemptive work of the suffering servant with our need for his substitutionary sacrifice. Consider how Isaiah contrasts the work of the suffering servant with the people’s part in this process. The suffering servant took on the people’s infirmities (v. 4). The suffering servant carried the people’s sorrows (v. 4). The suffering servant was pierced, and crushed for the people’s transgressions and iniquities (v. 5). The suffering

9 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 206.10 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 206.11 Oswalt, Isaiah, 585.

servant suffered punishing wounds so that the people would receive healing peace (v. 5). Ultimately, all the people’s iniquities were placed solely on the suffering servant as he stood in the place of helpless sinners (v. 6).

While we see the servant’s part and the people’s part, Isaiah also points to God’s part in this work. The suffering servant’s substitutionary work comes at God’s hand (v. 4). In fact, Isaiah’s emphasis on the substitutionary atonement of Christ is unique among the prophets.12 It is God’s righteous wrath that comes down fully and totally on the servant, freeing the people from sin and shame. Verses 4–6 offer a kind of culmination of the story of redemption further revealed in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. While God’s people wander aimlessly, missing the obvious realities of the suffering servant, God is at work (v. 6). He is quietly and faithfully fulfilling a promise first revealed in Eden (Genesis 3).

In the humble sacrifice of the suffering servant, God reverses the blindness of the lost sheep that seek their own way. Because of the humble servant, we receive true righteousness (v. 6). Isaiah indicates that God is the one who willed the suffering servant’s death as well as the one who places our sin on Christ (vv. 4, 6). Because God is the primary, final mover in this redemption plan, He receives all glory and praise. We cannot hope to restore ourselves, under our own efforts, to good standing with God but must look to Christ. We are wandering aimlessly through life and need God’s Spirit to open our eyes to the truth. God’s humble servant calls His children to salvation and a life of humble obedience (2 Timothy 1:9).

Why does it matter that Jesus took on our sin and gave us His righteousness?

How does Isaiah describe our part in the work of salvation? What responsibility do we have in securing our redemption?

Why is it important to understand that God’s wrath was satisfied at the Cross?

Isaiah 53:7-9 [Read]Sub-Point: Jesus humbly sacrificed Himself to secure our eternal salvation.

Continuing the long, clear description of the suffering servant, verses 7–9 shed even more light on the final steps the suffering servant takes in his mission from God. The suffering servant humbly endured death, quietly laying down his life for wicked, sinful people.13 Even though his suffering as totally unjust, he suffers without protest (v. 7).

12 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 207.13 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 207.

Isaiah’s reference to a lamb being slaughtered hints back to the sacrificial system so familiar, yet lapsed in Judah (v. 7). It is significant that Isaiah points to the final fulfillment of this system in the death of the suffering servant. Unlike the disobedient people of Judah, the suffering servant embodies complete, perfect obedience to every aspect of God’s law. He so perfectly fulfills the law that he is able to stand in the place of the very sacrifices intended to grant forgiveness and mercy under the Mosaic Law. As the New Testament reveals, Christ did indeed represent the final culmination or fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17–20). As John the Baptist proclaims, Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)!

In verse 7, Isaiah points to the unjust death of the humble servant, and in verses 8–9, he points to the disrespectful, seemingly inglorious way his life ended. In verse 8, Isaiah asks if there is anyone who might further explain or revive the message of the suffering servant. This rhetorical question implies a “no.” All seems lost when the suffering servant is killed, an innocent life taken with utter disregard (v. 8). Even though the suffering servant sought peace and lived a guileless life, he suffered and died in shame.14

How does the world respond when facing the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor? How does that make you feel?

What does it mean to us today that Christ fulfilled the law? Does that mean we don’t have to follow any of the Old Testament commandments? Why or why not?

How do we handle it when we face ridicule and shame from others? How does Jesus’ example inform how we respond to mockery and violence in this world?

Isaiah 53:10-12 [Read]Sub-Point: Jesus humbly rose from the dead revealing God’s final victory over death and sin.

Isaiah’s declaration regarding the fate of the humble, suffering servant given from the beginning of chapter 52 through verse 9 seems to spiral further and further down to a despairing end. It seems there is no hope! Yet, in rather abrupt fashion, Isaiah turns the story on its head, pointing to God’s glorious purposes. What begins as a description of nondescript origins (vv. 1–3) and terrible suffering (vv. 4–9) suddenly becomes a song of victory over sin and death.

In verse 10, Isaiah begins to reframe the way the people ought to understand the purposes for the suffering servant’s life and death. Despite every indication that sin, death, and Satan are in charge of this story, nothing could be less true! Even though people overlook the ordinary,

14 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 208.

humble servant living an unremarkable life, the suffering servant walks his path under the clear direction of God Himself in order to fulfill a marvelous redemption story (v. 10).

God’s plan was not simply for the humble servant to suffer meaninglessly or to die in defeat. God does not waste energy, time, or efforts but fulfills His will with a clear purpose. Even if we may not always see God’s plan, that doesn’t mean He doesn’t have a plan. God’s design for the servant’s suffering is redemption and God’s concluding purpose for the servant’s death is glorification (v. 10). The suffering servant is the guilt offering granting life and forgiveness to all God’s people (v. 10). Because the servant gives his life, he offers restitution for others.15

Greater still, Isaiah declares not simply forgiveness of fault or purging of sin, but the imputation of righteousness. Using legal language, verses 10–12 reveal not simply a removal of a sin debt but also a positive addition of righteousness. As God’s children are clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27), we move forward in a life of faith defined by grace and forgiveness rather than sin and misery. The suffering servant takes an unconventional yet perfectly planned path to reveal God’s blessings to the world (v. 12). The servant gains divine approval by pouring himself out unto death.16

What should we do when the suffering and pain of our life doesn’t seem to make sense? How does Isaiah change our expectations for the pain and trials of life?

How does Christ’s death help us understand the way we should engage a world hostile to the Gospel? How much should we be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel?

15 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 208.16 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 209.

Week 7: The Messiah Who Humbly Suffered Isaiah 52:13–Isaiah 53Took

Main Point: The humble servant suffered to fulfill God’s plan and secure our salvation.

While we may look at Steve Jobs and understand his faults and shortcomings, we are not always so ready to admit our own failures. We are just as prone to sin and unkindness. We need a Savior who takes away our guilt and sin, offering us life and peace through His grace. Look to Christ, the humble servant, for an example of true greatness and practice these ways of living for God’s glory.

Challenges

Embrace Christ’s humility. The path of Christ, as the humble servant, offers a mysterious indication of how we ought to live our life. The world tells us to “toot our own horn” or “sell yourself” in order to get ahead in life. Yet, the Gospel calls us to lay down our lives and embrace humility in order to experience God’s richest blessings. Prayerfully seek a spirit of humility; God’s Spirit will work in you. As you search the Scripture, meditate on the story of Christ’s humble life and sacrificial death. Allow God’s Word to strengthen you to pursue God’s ways. Look for quiet, simple ways to serve your friends and neighbors. Sit with the heartbroken, listen to the burdened, and encourage those who mourn. Embrace the simple life of grace revealed in Christ Jesus.

Live in humility. When we truly embrace living like Christ, we embrace a life of humble submission to God and service to one another. In our pride, our hearts long for big, prominent displays of our spiritual maturity. We tend to look for opportunities with massive impact and obvious results. While being wise and intentional in our service glorifies God, it is often the simplest acts of service that have the greatest kingdom impact. In fact, Jesus points to the basic act of offering a drink of water as a paradigm for kingdom service (Matthew 10:42). Offer financial support to families in need. Offer to babysit for a stressed mom in your neighborhood. Bake a sweet treat or cook a meal for a neighbor who seems to live a very busy, hectic life. Just as Christ’s presence eases our burdens so we ought to look for ways to carry others through the trials of life. Our acts of humility point others to our humble Savior.