Isaiah 52-53

Intro

Group Intro

- Goal

We are to eagerly hunger for spiritual nutrition in greater degrees - Spiritually mature

Regardless of your background or where you are in your relationship with Jesus, you are called to grow

- What we do

Scripture

Prayer

Community

Lesson Intro

Last Lesson (Isaiah 49)

We saw God was preparing this Servant

He was like a sharp arrow, but hidden in a quiver

He would bring Jacob back to God, and if that wasnt enough, he would bring all the nations too

This would culminate in a relationship, that was intimate like a mother and her nursing child and permanent like tattoo on your hand

Context

God’s message for His people? Comfort

The Gospel - Behold your God

Look at His character as creator, Why trust idols?

Look at His character as sustainer, why doubt His steadfast love?

This will be another “servant song” that will continue those themes

Yet this is kind of a crescendo

Unlike man who fickle, God’s Word will stand forever

Climax of the gospel in the OT - Motyer

NT writers recognized this - quoted/alluded to 31 times

It will resolve the main tension of the OT between a sinful people and a holy God

What is God’s word? He builds a highway to His people.

Yahweh, Yahweh, a God merciful and gracious... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty

Saw it in every story in Judges

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

How can a holy God keep His promise in remember our sins no more?

Context

How this salvation and peace that Isaiah has been preaching will come about?

NT writers recognized this - quoted/alluded to 31 times

Intro Questions

But it zeros in a bit more. How is God able to make good on His promise? How can a holy God declare comfort to a rebellious people?

Intro Questions

What does it mean to have a representative? What are some examples for our world? From the Bible?

We will be reading differently

()

Structure

5 Stanzas

Inclusio pattern (bracketed)

First and last - Mystery hidden and Mystery revealed

Second and fourth - life and death of the servant

Core truth in the middle

Pray and then read

First Stanza - The Enigma - The servant will be glorified and suffer - v. 13-15

First characteristic of the servant - v. 13

He will carry out this plan

Act Wisely - Has the sense of the success or thriving that comes from acting according to the wisdom of God

There is this wise plan that the servant will accomplish - It is wise beyond our limits

This is part of the servant being glorified

Three words for being raised - High, Lifted up, Exalted

So far so good...

Second characteristic of the servant - v.14-15

A deep unexpected contrast

Another one of Isaiah’s sharp, almost jarring, transitions

Instead of being amazed at his glory, we will be appalled at his appearance

Comparison to the judgment doled out to Israel

Like the nations express horror at seeing the destruction of Israel

Everyone who passes by it is horrified and shakes his head

Similarly the world will be appalled at the judgment visited on this one man

Beyond wondering if this is the glorious servant, people will wonder if this disfingured person is even human

Notice the parties

God is speaking

The servant is the object

3rd party - the many, Kings, nations

How do they fit in to this story? We will ask in each verse

Pay attention to how the fit into the story as the poem progresses

The enigma

How can this same servant be high and lifted up and marred beyond human form?

The stanza ends on a note of mystery, revelation- a truth that has been hidden but is now revealed

The stanza ends on a note of mystery, revelation- a truth that has been hidden but is now revealed

There is a unique, ultimate exaltation and a unique, ultimate suffering that are part of a unique, ultimate truth which we would not guess or know

Two great conjunctions in this passage - Yet, But

Second Stanza - The Servant’s life of suffering - 1-3

Bridges into details with same note of mystery and revelation - v. 1

& both use this verse to talk about people seeing the work of the servant (Jesus) but missing the reality of what is going on

The appearance of the servant - v. 2

He was weak - Like a tender bean plant grown in a cup from your 2nd grade science experiment

He was not handsome or well-built

He was not handsome or well-built

Not some majestic king

Socially undesirable - v. 3

He was an outcast who lived a lonely life - external

He was a burdened man who lived a sorrowful life - internal

Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head - Luke 9:58

How does the many react to this man?

Countering our expectations

Is this what you would expect of this servant?

He was not a rich, well groomed, or mighty man. He was not accepted, he was defined by his grief and sorrows

We are right there

Note how Isaiah doesnt just say he had no beauty, but that he had no beauty that we should desire him

Rejected by men, One from whom men hide their faces

Like the homeless guy we avoid

Exemplified by the fact he was born in a stable not in a palace

This not our artistic depiction of Jesus

This not our artistic depiction of Jesus

Not some white guy wearing recently washed white robes with a perfectly symmetrical face, groomed beard, and long flowing hair from a tresemme commercial which is perfectly parted

BBC recently had this investigative special about what Jesus looked like.

This is typically a waste of time,

But looking at their result was helpful in breaking our mind’s image of Jesus

This isnt suffering in a vacuum

Exemplified by the fact he was born in a stable not in a palace

This isnt suffering in a vacuum

We are right there

Note how Isaiah doesnt just say he had no beauty, but that he had no beauty that we should desire him

Rejected by men, One from whom men hide their faces

Like the homeless guy we avoid

Third Stanza - The Servant’s purpose in suffering - v. 4-6

Surely - A word signifying the truth of things in the face of disbelief

He deals with the curse of sin

The is servant bears the external effects of the curse - v.4

Bears griefs and carries sorrows

Sin has led to a broken world that is defined by grief

Leads to the Servant being stricken, smitten, and afflicted

The servant takes the punishment due to sin - v. 5

Pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities

More than dealing with the surface level symptoms, He tackles the root disease

This is the heart of the fall - Our sin alienates us from God. There is separation that needs to be addressed

How does the many fit into this?

God is the one smiting the servant, delivering the punishment and heaping it on

Not holding back

How does the many fit into this?

V. 4b - We see the suffering and stand back watching, thinking to ourselves “he must of deserved these consequences”

But the reality of it is they are our griefs, our sorrows, our transgressions, our iniquities

We only contributed the sin which caused his pain Motyer

Why? Because we all have deserted God - Sheep that have gone astray

How does God fit in this into this?

Not exalting him, but punishing him

God is the one smiting the servant, delivering the punishment and heaping it on

Not holding back

So how does this relate these three parties together - Substitutionary atonement

Atonement defined - “Atonement” is an English word contrived from the phrase “at-one-ment.” It denotes making a unity, restoring a relationship. The idea behind it is that sin has created a break in the relationship between God and his human subjects. Sacrifice is an integral part of the ritual that reestablishes the unity between God and humans… If one breaks God’s law—that is, sins—he or she is alienated from God. The atoning function of sacrifice overcomes the obstacle that sin presents to one’s relationship with God. - Longman, Gospel According to the OT, Worship

With this explanation, we can better understand the connection between covenant and sacrifice. After all, “covenant” is the leading metaphor for describing God’s relationship to his people. It is a legal term similar to “treaty,” and it comes with law as well as promise. If one breaks God’s law—that is, sins—he or she is alienated from God. The atoning function of sacrifice overcomes the obstacle that sin presents to one’s relationship with God.

The OT Law process of atoning for guilt was a burnt and guilt offering

He (the one giving the offering) shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 5 Then he shall kill the bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar. Lev 1:4-5

Laying on hands to convey transfer of guilt

Groves, J. A. (2001). Foreword. In T. Longman III & J. A. Groves (Eds.), Immanuel in Our Place: Seeing Christ in Israel’s Worship (p. 78). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The animal will be killed and the blood thrown or sprinkled on the altar (this is partly where the idea of sprinkling in baptism comes from )

This will be accepted as an atonement. This process is sometimes called propitiation

the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities...4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. - , He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

, He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption

NT fulfillment

The law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities...4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. - ,

,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

But Jesus Christ entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption

4He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption

if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. - (NRSV)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Jesus was the atoning sacrifice on our behalf. Our guilt was transferred to Him, he bore the wrath due that sin and His blood was poured out before God

The blood washes all our guilty stains

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

He is a shield that bears the brunt of the hammer blow

This resolves the tension of a Holy God and a sinful people

God is just in that His holy wrath against sin is satisfied by blood

God is justifier in that he redeems a sinful people to Himself

Fourth Stanza - The Servant’s death of suffering - v. 7-9

He received the punishment without complaint or struggle -v. 7

He received the punishment without complaint or struggle -v. 7

He choose to go through this suffering

Not confused

He was not caught in forces outside of his control

This is needed because our problem with sin is not just a mistake or weakness. It is a willfully chosen path

So, as John taught on Sunday, we need a willfully chosen sacrifice, not some thoughtless animal

Only a consenting will can substitute for a rebellious will. The Servant, indeed, fulfils the stated requirements for a substitute: he identified with sinners in their condemnation (4–5); he was without stain of our sin (9); he was acceptable to the holy God (6, 10). He also adds what no other ever did or could: the will to accept and submit to the substitute’s role - Motyer

* * * * nly a consenting will can substitute for a rebellious will. The Servant, indeed, fulfils the stated requirements for a substitute: he identified with sinners in their condemnation (4–5); he was without stain of our sin (9); he was acceptable to the holy God (6, 10). He also adds what no other ever did or could: the will to accept and submit to the substitute’s role

So note the irony here - The shepherd was made a sheep to be slaughtered

The suffering culminates in a sacrificial death - v. 8

He was taken away, Cut off (a phrase for execution)

This also carries overtones of ceremonial law

Israel was encamped in the wilderness as a community centered on the tabernacle

If something was unclean, such as leprosy, it would be put outside of the camp

Similarly, sins could lead to someone being either exiled out of the camp, or taken outside the camp and killed

Sin broke the community with God and His people. And sin could not be near God

But the underlying problem - all of Israel was ultimately sinful and unclean all the time and should be cut off

So what would they do?

The scapegoat () - The priest take two goats

Would sacrifice one as an offering for sin and use its blood to make the tabernacle and altar clean because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Would lay hands on other, transferring sins of the people it, and then send it outside the camp into the wilderness

The servant fulfills both roles - purifies the unclean people with His blood and takes their uncleanness away

Died and was buried - v. 9

Note the prophecy in this passage doesnt make sense because wicked is plural and rich man is singular.

Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea who was a rich man

* * * * note the prophecy this passage doesnt make sense because wicked is plural and rich man is singular. Only makes sense when the prediction comes true

Only makes sense when it is fulfilled

How does the many fit in?

Who considered - No one paid attention or considered what was happening

All of this despite the complete innocence in actions or motivation

Pilate saw that truth, but missed the big picture

Fifth Stanza - the Servant’s glorification through suffering - v.10 - 12

Here we see that it was the will of the Lord - v. 10

This wasnt an accident, or an improvisation - He has done it

Here this is the wise plan of the servant being carried out - The will of the Lord shall prosper

It will lead to blessing - he shall see his offspring and his days will be prolonged

Attitude of God the Father

It might be easy to get the idea that God the Father is this angry old man and Jesus is begging for our mercy against the will of the Father. As if the Father reluctantly accepts us only because now he has to, like Jesus caught Him in a loophole

Here we see this was Yahweh’s will.

God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (NRSV)

God the Father loved us first. He set up this plan of salvation in unity with the Son and the Spirit that we might be His children.

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

This guilt offering will bear their iniquities AND make many accounted righteous - v. 10-11

The servant will accomplish a second half in salvation

Romans & Righteousness

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift

Paul has been hammering how everyone is unrighteous, and the righteousness we need to be accepted as sons of God does not come through the works of the law

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Instead, a new righteous is revealed.

And it is revealed separate from the law

But this is what the law (and Isaiah) were pointing to

This new righteousness

of God

Comes through faith for all who believe

Is a gift of grace

Later uses Abraham as an example

He was counted righteous

Not as wages but a gift

So here we see that the Many will be accounted righteous

There is this legal transaction

Our sins are transferred to Jesus and His righteousness is given to us

We are clothed in His righteous in the presence of God, so that the Father sees us and accepts us AS HE ACCEPTS THE SON

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

This is why the life of suffering is so important.

Not only did Jesus die the death of an atoning sacrifice,

He lived the life of a perfect obedient servant. He kept the law, He bore the sorrows of living as a righteous one in a sinful world.

He kept the law, He bore the sorrows of living as a righteous one in a sinful world.

And now all of that is counted as ours

The righteous one will make many to be counted righteous

Therefore - This guilt offering and double imputation will lead to a restored people - v. 12

ESV makes it seem like the servant will split the reward with the people

Better translation is that his allocation, his portion will be the many and the strong

Because of the work of Jesus, He will save a people to himself

He is now the Firstborn of the dead, The Firstborn among many brothers

Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might cleanse her, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor

This conclusion solves the enigma, the mystery of the first stanza

Out of His unique, ultimate suffering, Christ is uniquely, ultimately glorified

Easy to miss - We preach Christ Crucified, as stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. -

Because he lived a life of sorrows, bore the wrath of hell, died the death of sinner - He is now resurrected in a glorified body, ascended to heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there he will come to judge the whole world in the fullness of His glory, riding on a white horse

As we go into the Easter season, we should not coast through, but ponder deeply this truth and give God our gratitude

1. Upon a Life I have not lived, Upon a Death I did not die, Another’s Life; Another’s Death, I stake my whole eternity.

Upon a Life I have not lived, Upon a Death I did not die, Another’s Life; Another’s Death, I stake my whole eternity.

Not on the tears which I have shed, Not on the sorrows I have known, Another’s tears; Another’s griefs, On these I rest, on these alone.

Not on the tears which I have shed, Not on the sorrows I have known, Another’s tears; Another’s griefs, On these I rest, on these alone. O Jesus, Son of God, I build on what Thy cross has done for me; There both my death and life I read, my guilt, and pardon there I see.

O Jesus, Son of God, I build on what Thy cross has done for me; There both my death and life I read, my guilt, and pardon there I see.

Chorus: O Jesus, Son of God, I build on what Thy cross has done for me; There both my death and life I read, my guilt, and pardon there I see.