ISAIAH 53

THE SAVIOR WILL BE THE LAMB OF GOD LED TO SLAUGHTER

Isaiah foretells of the coming Messiah, stating that He will be despised and rejected by men. Isaiah begins with the humble beginning of the Savior, explaining that He will have no apparent majesty.

God’s suffering servant will be pierced for the transgressions of mankind and crushed for their iniquities. His chastisement will bring peace and healing to those who do not deserve it. The wounds of Jesus on the cross will cover the cost of sin and provide a means of salvation to all believers.

Isaiah prophesizes that during his oppression and affliction, he would not speak, foreshadowing Jesus’ silence in Matthew 27:14. Like a spotless lamb led to sacrifice, He was silent and obedient. Although He was without sin, He took on the consequences of the sin of the world. The death of the innocent Savior would appease God’s need for justice and permanently deal with sin. Although it grieved Him, God’s will was for the Messiah to die.

This chapter has caused great debate within Christianity and Judaism, with differing interpretations about its meaning and whom the prophecies refer to. For believers, Isaiah 53 contains many references to Jesus, including specific details of His arrest and death.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.