Pierced for Our Transgressions

Isaiah 52:13–53:12

The end of Isaiah introduces us to the Servant of the Lord, who we later learn is Jesus. He is prophesied to bring God’s salvation to the world. A significant part of these chapters, known as the Servant song, explains the meaning of the cross and is the basis for how the New Testament writers understood Jesus’ crucifixion. This song has five parts, each with a special message, and we need to respect and value these because they are deep and emotionally powerful.

1. Understand the mixture

The main point here is the combination of victory and suffering in the lives of God’s followers. This means that even those chosen by God will face both wins and losses, joy and pain. The story of Joseph shows this, as his difficult times ultimately led to a positive outcome, proving that God’s saving love can exist even in tough situations.

2. Accept the ordinariness

Even though Jesus seemed ordinary, He carried God’s immense power. We often forget how suffering and everyday life can help us grow spiritually, and fail to see that God often works through these things instead of showy miracles. By accepting the ordinary, reading the Bible, learning to be patient and humble, and accepting other Christians with their flaws, we can truly experience God’s power to change us.

3. Realize the magnitude of the love

Jesus showed His love by choosing to carry our sins and sorrows. His death was not mandatory, but a choice driven by His deep love for us, showing how far He was willing to go. This love, deeper than any other, can not only fulfill our hearts but also has the power to change us.

4. Commit to justice

Jesus was innocent, but He suffered from unfairness and injustice, a story unique to Christianity as other religions portray their gods as unbeatable. The Bible also highlights the everyday injustices that people around the world experience. Following God’s example of standing with victims of injustice, even when it costs us, is a key part of understanding the cross and fighting against unfairness.

5. Live out of and live off of the principle

The main theological idea is the substitutionary sacrifice, where Jesus took on our sorrows and punishment. This idea, repeated in the Bible, means that our sins put us in place of God, and salvation is God taking our place. Living this principle lets us live sacrificially, showing God’s beauty through what we do.