The suffering servant
Isaiah 53:2-12
He grew up like a small plant before the Lord. He was like a root growing in a dry land. He had no special beauty or form to make us notice him. There was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him. He was hated and rejected by people. He had much pain and suffering. People would not even look at him . . .
But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering. We thought God was punishing him. But he was wounded for the wrong things we did. He was crushed for the evil things we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him. And we are healed because of his wounds. We all have wandered away like sheep. Each of us has gone his own way. But the Lord has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done.
He was like a lamb being led to be killed . . . He was put to death. He was punished for the sins of my people . . . So the Lord made his life a penalty offering . . . My good servant will make many people right with God. He carried away their sins. For this reason I will make him a great man among the people . . . He willingly gave his life . . . and asked forgiveness for those who sinned.
The suffering servant
This prophecy of Isaiah written long before Jesus was born continues to speak to us of God’s purpose for us.
God has substituted himself for us. Jesus the Son of God, for us. His perfect life, for our sinful life. Paul writes, “The Son of God loved me, and gave his life, for me.”
Communion Prayer
John 3:16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.
Lord thank you for this amazing and precious gift of forgiveness and new life. Help us to receive you just as you are. Your perfection into our imperfection. In Jesus name. Amen.
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