Modern Jewish scholars deny that the graphic picture of the suffering that is portrayed in Isaiah 53 points to the Messiah. For they look forward to a Messiah that will be a king that would give them temporal prosperity and victory over their enemies. And modern Christian commentators generally share this same position. These both tend to apply Isa. 53 to the sufferings of the Jews at the hands of their enemies. Also, others have suggested that the prophet, here, is describing his own experience in relation to God’s nation and people.
But the scriptures don’t leave us in the dark concerning the interpretation of Isaiah 53. But rather clearly point that the prophet Isaiah was writing about the promised Messiah to come – the Savior of the world.
The following New Testament references show that:
A-Matthew 8:17 states: “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Here, Matthew paraphrases or gives a free translation of Isa. 53:4. Matthew interprets that Christ in His humanity (John 1:14) was fully able to feel and express human sympathy. He really felt with us and for us (Phil. 2:6–8).
B-John 12:38 says, “that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” The apostle John gives a direct quotation from Isa. 53:1 describing the Jews rejection to the Lord Jesus Christ. They didn’t believe in Him or His miracles which were an unequivocal evidence of His divinity.
The story of the Saviors’ selfless love and His mediated sacrifice is the core of Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. It is the greatest “good tidings” (Isaiah 52:7), of all times. As a consequence of sin, man lost his purity, ability to love and obey, and even his life (Romans 6:23). But Christ came to restore all things (John 1:12).
Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant and experienced all the pain, sorrow, and disappointment known to man. All the evil that wicked men and evil angels could bring against Him were His daily lot that eventually reached the climax in His trial and crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-56). He “endured the cross” in view of this “joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). Thus, the Messiah’s mission was successful.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
