Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah 53:5  “But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.”

 

            A year ago Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ” was all the rage.  Everywhere you turned there were cries of anti-Semitism, or a proclamation that this film was the greatest thing of all time.  One of the advertising phrases used in promoting the film was a part of Isaiah 53:5; “…by his bruises we are healed.”  And as I reread the passage before us today, I was reminded again of all that Christ endured for us.

            In fact, if one were to read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and watch “the Passion” or read the Gospel accounts of the Passion – you can’t help but be struck by the similarities.  Is it coincidence, or the hand of God at work? Each verse of the passage resonates again and again with what we know Christ endured.

            I am astounded at the inability of folks, who accept Isaiah’s words as accurate, to believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.  Many people continue to search for signs and wonders to confirm what we believe as Christians.  But God has confirmed it again and again.  If Isaiah’s words and the accounts of the Passion do not convince us that Jesus is the Son of God, come for each of us and to save us from the penalty we deserve, then nothing ever will.  Let those who have ears listen and open their hearts to believe the Truth.