Crisis ConvertedNäide

Theme: The Servant's Sacrifice

Crisis Converted Then:

The story of the Servant’s sacrifice is hard to believe. He was born in humble circumstances but managed to flourish in his mission in the most unpromising and hostile environment. Even the bleak conditions of exile can’t compare to this Servant’s situation. 

He was shunned by people, though he took up their infirmities. He was crushed for the peace of his people. He spoke no word of retaliation, and no one will speak of his  descendants, because he was tossed in the grave unjustly. His life was cut short for the good of his people. 

Crisis Converted Now:

A servant of God, a true prophet, suffers unspeakably. Plagued with sorrow, physically disfigured, reviled and rejected by society and her leaders, and finally condemned to an early death - no wonder the early church could see no one other than Jesus in these words. 

In a culture in which misfortune and early death were seen as God’s punishment for wrongdoing, in Jesus, the wrongdoing is actually transferred from the people onto Jesus himself. He takes our sin and shame and sacrifices himself on our behalf. There is nothing deserved in this sacrifice. There is only grace… and wonder at the goodness of God.