Holding on to Hope: Easter in Old Testament PoetryНамуна

Yesterday, we looked at Christ’s rejection. Today, we arrive at the day of His greatest suffering, and greatest victory—His crucifixion.

The whole of Isaiah 53 is about Jesus as our Suffering Servant. As you read, you’ll notice the emotions stirred by repetitive imagery and symbolism. Christ bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. They pierced Him for our transgressions; crushed Him for our iniquities.

You’ll also see the theme of sheep. As we are all like sheep gone astray yet Jesus, who never strayed, was like a lamb led to the slaughter.

Isaiah 53 is a masterpiece of Hebrew poetry and is considered the most prominent prophecy about our Messiah. This poem foretells Christ’s last day with distinct details.

It tells of His grave with the wicked…and He hung on the cross between two convicted criminals.

And grave with a rich man in His death…and Joseph of Arimathea asked for Christ’s body and laid Him in his own new tomb.

He was oppressed and afflicted, but didn't open His mouth…and when accused by the chief priests, Jesus gave no answer.

These examples sound like firsthand accounts but Isaiah wrote them approximately 700 years before Christ’s birth.

If you’re struggling with doubt today, let this prophetic poetry stir your faith.

Isaiah 53:10-12 speaks of God’s will for the Messiah to make an offering for guilt and then to be resurrected. Because He would live again, the Suffering Servant could see and be satisfied as He makes “many to be accounted righteous” by paying our debt.

God’s plan for you has always been rescue. The One outside of time loves you fiercely and plans for your good.

Jesus knew what He was in for when He came to earth. And still He came. From the anguish of His soul, He sees and is satisfied because of what His sacrifice means for you.

I’ll see you here tomorrow as we come to God with any needs that feel beyond what we can endure.