The Need For A Suffering Servant

The prophet Isaiah was the author of the Old Testament book Isaiah. The events of this book took place around 742-681 B.C. under the rule of four Judean Kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah spoke with a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.

“19 So we have the prophetic word strongly confirmed. You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dismal place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.20 First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

During the time period of the Pentateuch- which consists of the first five books of the Bible- it illustrated how individuals could come into a relationship with God through a covenant based off of repentance, sacrifice, and the following of the Torah. Humanity would time and time again fall short of their covenant with God. The Lord was angry at His people for their disobedience and mixing of the Torah with pagan practices. So, Isaiah a servant of God, beckoned His people back to a relationship with God and explained the consequences if they did not. “18‘Come let us discuss this’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow: though they are as red crimson, they will be like wool.19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ For the mouth of the Lord has spoken” Isaiah 1:18-20.

The book of Isaiah most clearly and comprehensively projects the coming and the need for Jesus Christ. Humanity was unable to maintain the criteria of the law no matter how hard they tried. Because sin is conceived in the heart and not in ones’ own actions. The Law was created to demonstrate to mankind that we need a savior and will never be able to sanctify ourselves. “18 But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man.19 For from the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies.20 These are the things that defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man”. Matthew 15:18-20. Isaiah shows us that God is righteously just by prophesying: The Lord would send Jesus to ultimately fulfill the law.“14Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel- meaning God with us.” Isaiah 7:14. In the New Testament book of Matthew, it states that Mary would be the virgin from Isaiah’s prophecy. “20’Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins’. Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel” Matthew 1:20-22.

Isaiah’s prophecy was proclaimed hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Not only was Jesus prophesied to be the coming Messiah, but He was prophesied to be the atoning sacrifice which would be fulfilled on the cross at Golgotha. Isaiah chapters 52 and 53 states that the suffering servant is Jesus “He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; the 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 the iniquities of us all.” Isaiah 53:5-6. These verses physically and symbolically explain how the crucifixion was the atoning sacrifice. Jesus would be beaten and disfigured until “He did not resemble a human-being—so He will sprinkle many nations.” Isaiah 52:14-15 Signifying that Jesus died for all who are willing to accept Him, and not just for a specific group of people.  Isaiah’s prophecy states that God’s “righteous Servant” Jesus “will justify many…He will carry their iniquities…He will intercede for them” Isaiah 53.  The completion of Isaiah’s prophecy of the ‘suffering servant’ and ‘the virgin birth of Immanuel’ amended the continual need for sacrifices to attain favor in God’s sight. Deeming Jesus, the “Suffering Savior” who fulfilled the covenant of the Pentateuch. The aspect of ‘Immanuel’ is uncovered in Acts chapter 2, once Jesus has risen and ascended, the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven to dwell among believers at the day of Pentecost. One must remember that God is just- a ransom had to be paid for our relationship to be restored-with Jesus is our intercessor. The fulfillment of the covenant under the Pentateuch ushered in the Dispensation of Grace, signifying Immanuel – God is with us.

“26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28

Reflections and Insight

1.     Time and time again the Lord states that He has never wanted sacrifices but our devotion:

“For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice” Hosea 6:6

“Go and learn what this means: I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” Matthew 9:13

“Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of a ram.” 1 Samuel 15:22

 2.     Paul states in Romans:

 “14 For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely Not!...17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferred to 18 and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness…22 But now, since you have been liberated from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification— and the end is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:14-15,17-18 & 22-23

 How can we practice devotion to the Lord in our daily lives?