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INTRODUCTION (Isaiah 52:13-15) The introduction to the section of Scripture that vividly describes the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ is recorded in Isaiah 52:13-15. It should be studied with Isaiah 53. The following is an outline of Isaiah 52:13-53:12—(1) God the Father introduced His Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ (Is. 52:13-15). (2) The history of the Servant of God is unfolded (Is. 53:1-10). (3) The sufferings of Messiah the Servant will be rewarded (Is. 53:11-12). The Messiah is introduced in the Old Testament with the word “behold.” The word calls attention to matters of utmost importance. Each of four references to the Messiah has a vital connection with one of the gospels. (1) The Messiah is called the “Branch of the LORD” in Isaiah 4:2. This is connected with the gospel of John where Jesus Christ is presented as God (John 1:1). (2) The Messiah is called the “Branch” of David in Jeremiah 23:5-6. This is associated with the gospel of Matthew which portrays Jesus Christ as the Son of David according to the flesh (Matt. 1:1). (3) The Messiah is called “my servant the BRANCH” in Zechariah 3:8. This is joined with the gospel of Mark where Jesus Christ is described as Servant. (4) The Messiah is referred to as “the man whose name is The BRANCH” in Zechariah 6:12. This is united with the gospel of Luke where Jesus Christ is seen as the perfect Man. The reverse order of the references reflects the Man, the Servant, the Son of David, and the Son of God. Hebrew scholars say that the Servant “dealing prudently” primarily means to act wisely; but since wise action is effective and leads to prosperity, it is sometimes a synonym for prosperity. Therefore, the Holy Spirit through Isaiah said that Jesus Christ would be prosperous in the work He came to accomplish. Christ did not die to procure forgiveness of sins of those who can never be forgiven. Remember that there is no forgiveness for those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:31). The simple explanation is that the work of Jesus Christ on the cross extends no further than the grace of God the Father. Any statement to the contrary would be ridiculous. The Lord Jesus Christ was prosperous. He finished the work the Father sent Him to perform. He is prosperous now. He is accomplishing the very thing He ascended to execute. Hence, the very introduction to Isaiah 53 on the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ proves that the prosperity of Christ should captivate the thinking of every rational person. Here, assurance is given at the very outset that the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand (Is. 42:4; 53:10). Isaiah prophesied that the Servant would be exalted, extolled, and lifted very high. He would be exalted above Abraham, lifted above Moses, and raised higher than the ministering angels. When Jesus Christ came forth from the grave, He was given a name above every name and lifted very high. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father. The whole path of the Messiah is set forth in the introductory statements in Isaiah 52:13-15. The prophet predicted man’s reaction of astonishment at Christ’s coming in humiliation to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. The nations of the world will be startled when He comes the second time as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Israel’s contritional confession is recorded in the first part of Isaiah 53. The first division of this chapter refers to what will occur when Jesus Christ comes as King. Therefore, this section of Scripture prophetically portrays what Israel will confess when they look upon the Lord Jesus Christ who they were instrumental in putting to death. Israel’s remorse over their sins and rejection of the Lord will be fully revealed at the glorious manifestation of Christ. The Scriptures regard the work of Christ as that of obedience. He was obedient even to the death of the cross. The Lord came not to be ministered to but to minister and give His life a ransom for many. Many of the puritans made a distinction between passive and active obedience. However, should the life that Jesus Christ lived be termed active obedience and His suffering and death be termed passive obedience? The Lord Jesus Christ was actively obedient. He never did anything