Recognizing the Savior - Isaiah 52:12-15 and 53:1-12 - December 2, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Recognizing the Savior – December 2, 2007

This is lesson one (1) of a new series of study entitles “The SAVIOR of Christmas.” There are five (5) lessons:

December 2 - How can we be sure JESUS is the Messiah GOD sent? Isaiah, Chapter 53 was written about 681 BC prophesying about the Messiah.

December 9 – We will study Luke, Chapter 1. Isaiah, Chapters 52 and 53 gave the prophesy about the coming Messiah. Luke gives the prophesy being fulfilled.

December 16 – Continue in Luke, Chapter 1. JESUS is coming to earth.

December 23 – Luke, Chapter 2 tells us about the birth of JESUS.

December 30 – Mathew, Chapter 2 GOD sends others to confirm, worship and protect HIS SON.

We begin our series with the over 600 year old prophesy by the Prophet Isaiah foretelling the coming of the Messiah. The picture GOD paints for the Messiah, through Isaiah, is not very enticing. We as humans want to worship a superstar. We want to follow a natural leader with charisma, very intelligent, powerful, physically handsome, no faults and the list goes on and on.

But GOD reveals a different picture for the prophet Isaiah.

We will begin with Isaiah 52:13-15 because many Bible scholars believe this scripture to be the beginning of the five-stanza prophesy. Verses 13-15 seem to be a summary of the other four stanzas to follow.

We need to keep in mind that the Prophet Isaiah is revealing this prophesy to the nation of Israel and then to all nations. We have the privilege of looking back at all the events surrounding the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of JESUS the MESSIAH. All believers have the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell them and reveal all truth to them. How privileged we are as Christians.

Let’s read Isaiah 52:13-15:
The Servant’s Suffering and Exaltation
13 See, My servant[6] Tg adds the Messiah will act wisely;[7] Or will be successful He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.[8] Php 2:9–11 14 Just as many were appalled at You[9] Some Hb mss, Syr, Tg read Him — His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being[10] Mt 26:67; 27:30–31; Jn 19:1–5 — 15 so He will sprinkle[11] As the blood of a sacrifice is sprinkled on the altar on behalf of the people [12] Heb 10:22; 12:24 many nations.[13] LXX reads so many nations will marvel at Him Kings will shut their mouths because of Him, For they will see what had not been told them, and they will understand what they had not heard.[14] Rm 15:21

Verse 13 - depicts the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of JESUS.

Verse 14 - however depicts before HE is exalted, HE is humiliated and rejected. This verse does not mean that the Messiah was ugly or deformed but HE will not be what the people had expected the Messiah to be. The “You” is GOD. (Some translate "You" as My people or translate "You" as Him.)The Israelites turned their backs on GOD and rejected HIM. They will also reject the Messiah.

Verse 15 - the purpose of HIS humiliation and rejection is to pay for the sins of all nations and its people.

GOD does not paint an appealing picture for the Messiah. Why didn’t GOD send a flamboyant, powerful Messiah into the world?
We have just completed the study of the Sermon on the Mount. We know that GOD wants our worship, service and obedience to HIM to come from a pure heart. HE wants our motives to be pure.

When we come to JESUS HE wants us to come for the right reasons and not because of any motive except the recognition of our need for salvation. Therefore, GOD did not send a super rock star or a powerful, charismatic, suave individual, as the world classifies people, as the Messiah. Instead HE sent an unassuming, suffering servant who was born not of earthly nobility but birthed by an ordinary, obedient, virgin, poor, young girl. Yet this ordinary, virgin young girl’s heritage traced back to King David.

In the eyes of the world, JESUS was a loser because HE did not prove Himself as man wanted HIM to be. The Israelites wanted a military Messiah to deliver them from their oppressors. They wanted physical deliverance which would have been useful for their life upon earth. But GOD wanted them and all people to be delivered from a greater bondage, sin and death. Deliverance from sin and death would give all believers the freedom to serve HIM on earth, as well as, in heaven. HIS deliverance is eternal.

I have often thought if I were JESUS, I would have come down from the cross to prove to all WHO I was. I would have failed to complete the mission. Taking matters into HIS own hands was likely a temptation of JESUS. HIS flesh nature wanted to survive. But HE remained faithful to the FATHER and was obedient to the very end. HE gave up HIS life at the moment HE thought the FATHER had abandoned HIM. At that dark moment, HE trusted the FATHER with HIS life to pay for the sins of the world and to obtain salvation and eternal life for all who believe in HIM.

When we come to JESUS, we do so for no other reason than salvation. We do not come to JESUS because of HIS popularity, charisma, good looks, charm or any other reason. No where in the scripture does GOD paint a picture of a life of ease for believers. HE does not entice people to come to HIM for ease and luxury but for salvation and to have an intimate loving relationship with HIM.

Considered Unacceptable

Let’s read Isaiah 53:1-3:

1 Who has believed what we have heard?[1] Or believed our report And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?[2] Jn 12:38; Rm 10:16 2 He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or splendor that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men,[3] Jn 1:10–11 a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.[4] Heb 4:15 He was like one people turned away from;[5] Lit And like a hiding of faces from Him He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.

The Prophet Isaiah is revealing this prophesy to the nation of Israel. Verse 1 tells us that even though GOD has revealed HIS plan, who believed it? The Israelites had preconceived notions about the Messiah. They could not accept a Messiah coming from unassuming circumstances, being ordinary and coming from an ordinary background. The Messiah subject to being crushed like a young plant and coming from a heritage (root) that was not spectacular would never be considered by those watching and looking for the Messiah. The religious leaders would look for and expect nobility. Yet GOD revealed the attributes of the true Messiah, a suffering servant.

JESUS came from a physical background to which all people can relate.

The Disciple John refers to Isaiah 53 in John 12:37-43.

John12:37-43:

37 Even though He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him. 38 But this was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said:[12] Lit which he said Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?[13] Isaiah 53:1 39 This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: 40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I would heal them.[14] Isaiah 6:10 41 Isaiah said these things because[15] Other mss read when he saw His glory and spoke about Him. 42 Nevertheless, many did believe in Him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the • synagogue. 43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.[16] Lit loved glory of men more than glory of God; v. 41; Jn 5:41

The Apostle Paul reveals that if the rulers of this world had known that JESUS was the Messiah, they would have never crucified HIM. The promised Messiah had to die for the sins of the world.

1 Corinthians 2:6-8:
Spiritual Wisdom
6 However, among the mature (Christians) we do speak a wisdom, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a • mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew it, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.[3] Ps 24:7

When we make up our minds how GOD will do something, we often are headed for a disappointment. GOD tells us in the scripture that HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are different from our thoughts. We all form opinions and notions about GOD throughout our lives based upon the sermons we hear, Bible studies, assumptions, people we interact with, etc. This is normal. It is critical that all our notions and assumptions be checked against the Bible. Are they sound from a biblical point-of-view? Does the HOLY SPIRIT confirm truth in our hearts? We must not let stubbornness blind us to truth. The Israelites had made up their minds and all the miracles, signs and wonders would not change the minds of most of the religious leaders regarding JESUS.

Verse 3 says HE knew what sickness was. Nothing has been written about JESUS being sick. But if we look at verse 4 we see that sickness is referred to again. In this context “sickness” means that HE knew the consequences of sin. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conclude, verse 3 could refer to JESUS knowing what the consequences can do to peoples lives. One does not have to experience something in order to know about it. This awareness of the consequences of sin in people’s lives was the incentive for JESUS to willingly come to earth to deliver mankind from the bondage of sin. John 3:16 captures this absolute love for all of mankind “for GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Punished for others’ sins

Let’s read Isaiah 53:4-6:

4 Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for[6] Lit with; or has placed on Him the iniquity of us all.[7] 1 Pt 2:24–25

As mentioned earlier “sickness” as used here means to suffer the consequences of our sins. JESUS suffered for us on the cross by bearing all of our sin. Many of us rejected HIM for years until we came to the foot of the cross, recognized our spiritual poverty and asked HIM to forgive us and to come into our hearts.

Our sins put every wound and every stripe on HIM. All of us have gone astray, yet while we were in the weeds, JESUS had already made the provision for our salvation.

So what did the Israelites think about their Messiah being sickly? They thought sickness and bad things happening to people was a sign that they had done something wrong and GOD was punishing them. When JESUS was arrested and punished they thought if JESUS is the promised Messiah then GOD will not allow HIM to be abused, punished or die.

Many of us think the same thoughts today. We think that bad things should happen to bad people and good things happen to good people. Life just does not necessarily work that way. GOD was with JESUS through the good and bad times of HIS life. HE will be with us through all circumstances in our lives. As JESUS trusted the FATHER, we, as believers, must trust HIM. GOD is sovereign. We can only accept GOD’S sovereignty when we have the intimate, loving relationship with HIM and trust HIM.

JESUS was obedient to all the FATHER wanted HIM to do. HE died and through HIS death HE paid for the sins of all people. This included those since Adam and Eve until the end of time. The gift of salvation awaits every person in the world 24/7 but each person must reach out and accept that gift. Salvation is only the beginning of a life long journey of spiritual growth and maturity.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that GOD allowed JESUS to become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.

2 Corinthians 5:21:
21 He made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

HE bore sins of mankind, so that all believers can be cleansed of their sins, escape spiritual death and made righteous. Why do believers need to be righteous? So GOD can indwell us with the HOLY SPIRIT and we can approach GOD directly and intimately. Believers can call GOD Daddy. JESUS suffered for each of us.

It is all clear and understandable now as we look back but then it could only be understood through revelation as JESUS walked upon earth. Hebrews 9:11-28 captures the essence of what JESUS has done for believers.

Hebrews 9:11-28:
New Covenant Ministry
11 Now the • Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come.[3] Other mss read that are to come In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), 12 He entered the holy of holies once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our[4] Other mss read your consciences from dead works to serve the living God? 15 Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant,[5] The Gk word used here and in vv. 15–18 can be translated covenant, will, or testament. so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions [committed]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. under the first covenant. 16 Where a will exists, the death of the testator must be established. 17 For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in force while the testator is living. 18 That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 19 For when every commandment had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded for you.[6] Ex 24:8 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. 22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these [sacrifices]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , but the heavenly things themselves [to be purified]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with better sacrifices than these. 24 For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model[7] Or antitype, or figure of the true one) but into heaven itself, that He might now appear in the presence of God for us. 25 He did not do this to offer Himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— 28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many,[8] Isaiah 53:12 will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but[9] Lit time, apart from sin, to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

If you have not asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins do so right now and ask HIM to come into your life.

Silent in HIS own Defense

Let’s read Isaiah 53:7-9:

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth.[8] Mt 26:63; 27:12–14; Ac 8:32–33 8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment; and who considered His fate?[9] Or and as for His generation, who considered [Him]? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of My people’s rebellion. 9 They[10] DSS; MT reads He made His grave with the wicked, and with a rich man at His death,[11] Mt 27:57–60 although He had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully.[12] 1 Pt 2:22–23

Again, the Israelites thought if one was blessed of GOD all things went smoothly. Here is a picture of a helpless lamb being led around. Not the picture they had in mind for GOD’S Messiah.

Verse 8 states that the Messiah died at an early age because of oppression and judgment. HE was innocent and no one came to defend HIM. Long life was an indication of the blessings of GOD. Yet the Messiah would die at a young age. This was hard for the Israelites to comprehend.

Look at the wisdom of GOD. If JESUS had lived to a ripe old age, some would question HIS death on the cross. GOD allowed JESUS to die when HE was young and healthy so no one would question the fact that HE gave HIS young life for the sins of the world. HIS life was not taken from HIM nor did HE die of old age.

We know that JESUS died between two (2) criminals and that Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent, wealthy Jew, took the body of JESUS and placed it in the tomb he had made. Bible scholars think the tomb was large enough to walk into.

GOD reminds Isaiah that the Messiah is not guilty of any wrong doing.

Willing to Fulfill GOD’S Plan

Let’s read Isaiah 53:10-12:

10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him, and He made Him sick. When[13] Or If You make Him a • restitution offering,[14] 2 Co 5:21; 1 Pt 2:24 He will see [His]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. • seed, He will prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will succeed by His hand. 11 He will see [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity.[15] DSS, LXX read see light out of His anguish, and He will be satisfied with His knowledge. My righteous servant will justify many,[16] Rm 3:24,26; 4:25; 5:9,16,18 and He will carry their iniquities.[17] 1 Pt 2:24 12 Therefore I will give Him[18] Or Him with the many as a portion, and He will receive[19] Or receive with the mighty as spoil,[20] Ps 2:8; Jn 13:3; 1 Co 15:27–28 because He submitted Himself to death,[21] Php 2:6–8 and was counted among the rebels;[22] Mt 27:38 yet He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.[23] Lk 23:34

Reading this would cause one to think that GOD is cruel. What father would be pleased to see their son crushed or sick?

Look back at 2 Corinthians 5:21 where it says “GOD made JESUS to be sin.” This fits our understanding that sick and sickness refers to sin.

JESUS knew what was in store for HIM yet HE willingly came to earth to die for the sins of mankind. As stated earlier JESUS knew the burden of sin in the lives of all mankind. HE willing gave HIS life that mankind could experience the abundant life because all believers would experience forgiveness of sins, eternal life and freedom from the burden of sin and death.

GOD was pleased that HIS SON was willing to suffer and pay the price for the sins of mankind. JESUS will carry out the plan of salvation for the FATHER. When we are obedient to the FATHER it pleases HIM. Being obedient to GOD does not always assure that things will go well. Obedience may cost us our lives.

Let’s look at the King James translation of Isaiah 53:10:

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

In the November 11, 2008 lesson, I commented about JESUS being 100% human and 100% divine. Life to every human is precious. JESUS had to decide to give up HIS human life but in doing so, HE had to trust the FATHER at the moment HE felt like the FATHER had abandoned HIM. The King James translation uses the words “make HIS soul an offering for sin.” JESUS had to give HIS human life or HIS flesh life, the most precious thing HE had, to satisfy the penalty for the sins of the world.

Verse 10 also reveals that GOD makes JESUS the restitution offering. The restitution offering means a trespass or guilt offering. When such an offering was made, the sin was forgiven by GOD, until the person sinned again. Then that person had to make another restitution offering. Refer back to Hebrews 9:11-28. JESUS became the perfect and final sacrifice for all sinners. HIS death upon the cross satisfied the sin debt for mankind, once and for all.

JESUS had to give HIS human or flesh life in death to satisfy the sin debt. But look at the next part of verse 10, “HE will see HIS seed.” This tells us that even though HE will die, HE will be resurrected. HE will live forever because HE will see the fruit of HIS obedience. HE gave up HIS human or flesh life in order to receive HIS eternal glorified body. All believers will receive their glorified bodies when JESUS comes to earth the second time.

During the life of JESUS upon earth, HE did not see an overwhelming response to HIS ministry. But GOD knew through the obedience of JESUS that the HOLY SPIRIT could now indwell all believers and many would experience the miracle of rebirth.

Can you imagine the absolute joy CHRIST has when a sinner accepts HIM as their SAVIOR? The Bible tells us that even the angels rejoice in heaven. Just think JESUS rejoiced when you either give or you gave your life to HIM.

This is why Christmas is so important. Without JESUS coming to earth, destined to die for the sins of mankind, we would still be burdened by our sin and making sacrifices for our sins on a moment by moment basis. But thanks to GOD and the obedience of JESUS, we can be set free from our sin and death. All any person has to do is to ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life.