Isaiah 53 (Is 52:13-52:13) Bible Study Slideshow

Jesus: The Suffering Servant

This Bible Study is a summary of a previous exegetical paper on Isaiah 52:13-53:12 — one of the most popular, prophetic passages in Scripture that includes the beloved Is 53:5:

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

The prophetic background of Christ’s substitutionary, atoning death and Resurrection adds to the previously mentioned historical evidence for the Resurrection, which is the best explanation for the facts agreed upon by scholars of all stripes — and the firm foundation for our faith (see 1 Cor 15:1-8 and corresponding Bible Study slideshow).

Below, please see the main points, some summary videos, and the slideshow (which lacks some of the visuals I typically use to spice things up. My apologies).

The Hebrew text, author’s translation, and sources can be found in the (footnoted) aforementioned paper.

Main Points

Isaiah’s prophecy foretells of the forthcoming Servant of the LORD who is a kingly, even divine, Messiah
Though the nation of Israel was supposed to be to the collective Servant of the LORD through whom He would bring about justice & salvation to the nations, they rebelled and transgressed their covenant w/ YHWH
The unimpressive, unattractive, humble, despised, suffering Servant was to come and make a substitutionary, atoning self-sacrifice that would heal the relationship between the LORD and his covenant people, bringing שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
And, though he was arrested and killed for crimes he did not commit, because the LORD’s will was (and will be) accomplished through the Servant, the LORD will reward him with long life, many spiritual descendants (both Israelite and Gentile), and exaltation.
Thanks to be to the Servant for His (Christ’s) Service. Thanks be to God! The God who “made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21).