Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53 is a poetic prophecy about the suffering of Jesus and his vindication and exaltation after his death. This poem is usually titled something like, The Suffering Servant, indicating that there will come a human servant that will suffer greatly. Let’s dive into this poem to learn more about what it says and what it means. 

Verses 1-3 talk about the servant’s appearance and how this servant has had the “arm of the Lord” revealed to him. This phrase is used to speak of God’s might and power. So even though the servant will suffer at the hands of man, God’s power will still be with him and will lead to the great exaltation in verse 12. His appearance is described as one who would not draw any attention to himself. Jesus did not grow up with pomp or royal clothing to attract anyone to him. He grew up as a “tender plant” not with power or might but with humility. We rejected him and hid our faces from him showing our lack of trust or belief based on his appearance. 

Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Death is the penalty for sin. Instead of us receiving that penalty we deserve, Jesus took it upon himself. Even though he had no sin and did not deserve it, he took our sin and bore our consequences in our place. Through his sacrifice, we become forgiven and “healed” as the author describes. We have all turned away from God and Jesus’ death is meant to bring us back to him.  

Jesus did not fight back and did not curse the ones trying to kill him. He stayed silent so as to endure the suffering and obey the will of the Father. When he died he was placed in a tomb and received the same treatment as a criminal, had it not been for the wealthy Joseph to place him in his tomb. He was not a violent rebel or a deceitful civil leader, but a Savior taking on the sins of humanity. 

Though the Messiah died and was buried, he will live again. He was an offering that died but lived again. Jesus now sees his followers, his church, carrying on the mission of the kingdom. Jesus has justified all who believe. 

Jesus’ victory over death is described by the poet as a victor dividing up spoils of war. He will divide the spoils with the “strong”- that is believers. We will share in the victory of the Messiah and it is all because of his offering on the cross. He bore our sins and penalty and intercedes for our sins even today. This poem prophesies of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and is a reflection for us today on how grateful we should be towards our Savior.