Perform in us that miracle of grace, Lord Jesus, whereby we read Your Word and hear Your voice. Bless us with Your encouragement, Your healing, Your generosity and Your love, and lead us through life with optimism, because we know that You are faithful and will give us peace. Thank You, Lord Jesus, AMEN
Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- Discuss what it means to say that Jesus’ ‘soul becomes a sin offering’ for us. How does this help us and save us?
- Where can you see elements of a belief in life after death within this passage of scripture?
- What does this Scripture say to you about God and His love for humanity? How should we respond to this Scripture?
Topis covered by this text
- Life through death
- The nature of redemption and salvation
- The victory of Jesus, the Servant
Personal comments by author:
The death of Christ is the fulfilment of the work of the Servant, and in my own mind, the Servant and Jesus have become interchangeable. I was first taught about this prophecy of Isaiah by a scholar who criticised and dismissed any suggestion that it had a connection with Jesus. I have long agonised over why he felt it important to teach this, and some of my writing reflects my own journey of faith as I have sought to reply to these criticisms. Eventually, the Hebrew of the passage helped me see the powerful connections between this passage and Jesus.
Ideas for exploring discipleship
- Follow the pattern of the last two studies and try to learn this great text of the Old Testament. If you build up a complete memory of Isaiah 53, you will find this a great and lasting blessing.
- Pray for those who have been taught the Old Testament at College or University and have a sceptical view of the way that God works through this text. Pray for God’s Word to speak clearly to all who read it.
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!