Isaiah 53

-Introduction

-Acts 8:26-35

     -the passage from which the Ethiopian was reading - Isa 53 (vs 7-8)

-Isaiah 53 is a passage that you’ve heard me refer to a number of times.

     -Messianic prophecy - We know this because of Acts 8 and other passages.

-Even though I’ve referred to this chapter a number of times, it occurred to me a while

  back that I should do a lesson focusing specifically on this chapter.

-General Arrangement of Isaiah 53

-Remember, the verse and chapter breaks were not part of the original texts.  They have

  been added by mankind and are certainly helpful.

-However, there are times when those breaks are placed in unfortunate (improper) places.

     -Such seems to be the case with Isaiah 53.

     -It seems that the appropriate chapter break would be after Isaiah 52:12.

-We then find an interesting arrangement.

     -15 verses - 5 sets of 3 verses

     -Isa 52:13-15; 53:1-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12

-Overview of Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

-I was once asked to speak at a VBS in Joplin - for the adult class - on the topic of “Jesus,

  Bethlehem to Golgotha.”

-Now, that’s a broad topic.  What passage did I choose to focus upon? - Isaiah 53

     -Some would say that this would not be an appropriate use of Isa 53.  They would say

       that Isaiah 53 focuses specifically on the suffering and death of Jesus.

     -I don’t agree.  I do agree that the emphasis of the passage is on the suffering and

       death of Jesus.  Yet, I believe this passage does indeed cover from Bethlehem to

       Golgotha and then beyond.

-Isaiah 52:13-15 - Summary/Preview

     -overall summary of the mission of Jesus - exalted position of Jesus, His humility in

       suffering, His cleansing/shocking sacrifice (sprinkle/startle discussion)

-Isaiah 53:1-3 - Aquaintance With Grief

     -birth and life of Jesus

     -Jesus took upon Himself the form of a servant - Phil 2, Heb 2

     -There was nothing regarding Jesus’ physical features that would distinguish Him

       from others, attract attention or gain Him favor with others.

            -Matt 13:54-58

            -Jesus was despised and rejected by mankind.  He was aquainted with grief.

                 -Jesus intermixed with the poor, sick and downtrodden.  He had compassion on

                   them and healed the sick, blind, lame, deaf, possessed, etc.

                 -He bore their sorrows.  He hurt with them (Jn 11:35).

                 -Jesus can relate to us - Heb 4:14-16.

            -Matt 8:14-17 - This (and other passages) shows that Isaiah 53 extends beyond the

                                      suffering and death of Jesus.

 -Isaiah 53:4-6 - The reason for His suffering.

     -Matt 8:17 actually refers to vs 4.

     -There He was, the Messiah, carrying such burdens.  Yet, mankind failed to honor,

       glorify & esteem Him in the ways He deserved.

     -The transition is then made to His eventual sufferings.

     -Notice the pronouns in these verses.

-Isaiah 53:7-9 - Jesus’ submission to the will of the Father.

     -The silence of Jesus.  He did not resist.  He did not try to flee.

     -John 12:27

     -1 Pet 2:19-25

     -His death and burial.

-Isaiah 53:10-12

     -Think of the significance of “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him.”

     -Victory of Jesus

     -Victory in Jesus

     -Exaltation of Jesus

     -His intercession for us

-Summary and Invitation

-Isaiah 53 - Bethlehem to Golgotha (and beyond)

-When you’re having a difficult day, open your Bible to Isaiah 53 - read it and think

   about it.  Remember, Jesus died for you.  It can certainly help to put things in a

   proper perspective.

-Acts 8:36-39

     -When the Ethiopian heard this info about Jesus, he wanted to respond immediately.

     -He was impacted by the sacrifice of Jesus on His behalf.

     -What about you?