With all the Old Testament prophecies and types pointing forward to Christ’s sacrifice, it is hard to understand how it was possible the Jews were unable to see Jesus as the Christ! They already had a great expectation and were watching fort the Messiah as when the wise men had come from the east at the birth of Jesus, the priests knew details of his birth.
Then again later, how could they miss the events surrounding his crucifixion? Isaiah describes in specific detail the characteristics of the man who would be lead like a lamb to the slaughter, then be killed with other sinners and buried in a rich man’s tomb! Read the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 to appreciate how intricate God’s foreknowledge is with regards to his offering for sin. Notice also the pertinent characteristics of the man;
Isa. 53:2 – no outstanding physical characteristics to mark him as God’s Son.
Isa. 53:3 – Instead of being hailed a savior, he is despised! not accepted by those looking for a deliverer. People hid as if embarrassed by his presence. His own nation rejected him.
Isa. 53:4-6 – despite their obvious rejection of him, he bears the brunt of our own rejection: to take away the sins of others. Note especially how the emphasis turns from HIS suffering to OUR involvement – our grief – our sorrows – our transgressions, our iniquities and how we are healed, or forgiven.
Isa. 53:7-9 – rejected by his own people. Though innocent, willingly led as a lamb, he did not revile. This prophetic outlook provides solid proof that should strike at the conscience of those who could attest to the accuracy of this scripture centuries later. This is a marvelous confirmation of God’s precise control in the affairs of men!
Isa. 53:10-12 – Despite the anguish of his crucifixion, the prophecy predicts “the will of the LORD shall prosper” and many will be counted as righteous because he bore their iniquities. The final verse suggesting Christ’s victory shall be evident in the many for whom he interceded – to see human beings in all walks of life turning from lives of sin and ignorance, to a new life of hope and confident assurance as a result of his consecrated life. In a measure, by following Christ’s pattern of life, we too can help others find the way of life.
Romans 5:6-21 These verses reveal the wonderful story of how reconciliation comes to each one of us through Christ’s sacrificial work. This is how our sins are forgiven and how we are ‘made righteous’ through God’s grace. The love of God was evident even while we were weak and sinners. In Christ, we can experience the love of God and be justified through Jesus blood and through God’s grace. See how far God and Jesus go to restore us to favor! It is almost impossible to express our gratitude for the extent of their love, grace and compassion.