Lent | week 2
As we continue the Lenten season, let’s focus our attention on the sacrificial Servant, and the prophesy of Isaiah 53:6 — the Lamb of God — who was promised and would come to earth to bear the iniquity of us all, for our redemption.
READ
Isaiah 53:6
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — every one — to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
The Servant of Isaiah
– David Martin
Over 700 years before the crucifixion of Christ, the prophet Isaiah declared Jesus would come as the suffering Servant. In eternity past, God the Father determined this path for God the Son. He would be “despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. He would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. He would be “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities”. He would be “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,” and yet “he opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:3-7).
It is hard for us to comprehend a plan filled with such cruelty that it led to the death of the Son of God. Yet, it was necessary, not because of anything Christ did, but because of our sin. It was our sin that turned us away from a loving God toward our own way. Jesus came as a sacrificial Servant that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). This is why the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. It is because of His stripes we are healed and have hope (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus, as a sacrificial Servant, went far above-and-beyond for us. It was “for the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). What the Servant did in bearing the consequences of our sin would bring about spiritual healing and redemption. The motivation of our sacrificial Servant was to do the will of the Father, to submit to and please Him (John 6:38).
He willingly came and endured the cruelty of the cross for our benefit. He provided the only way for us to be reconciled to a holy God by bearing the sins of many. In gratitude, we ought to bow before Him, understanding that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He surrendered to the Father’s will that we might be redeemed. May we shepherd others from a place of gratitude and redemption, having been delivered from sin and its consequences, and living accordingly – in submission to the Father, and in service to and sacrifice for those we influence.
PRAY
Thank you, Jesus, for allowing Yourself to be despised, chastised, stricken, and pierced for us. Thank you that you still bear our griefs and carry our sorrows today. I pray your ultimate example of utter humility continues to lead me to repentance, to shepherd others well, and to offer my life for You at every turn. Amen.
DIGGING DEEPER – CONSIDER THE ISAIAH 53 PROPHESY
- Where and in what context do you see the Lamb of God in this week’s reading?
In what specific ways can you follow the Servant’s example as you shepherd others?
Write your own prayer of gratitude to the One who humbled Himself for the sake of your redemption.
DAVID MARTIN
Founding pastor of Graceway Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana and founder and director of On Track Ministries. David has served as a motorsports chaplain for over 27 years.
