Sermon Title: 10 Reasons: #10 Fulfilled Prophesies
Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-5, 12 (NIV)

Contributed by Nancy Buschart

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5

In the last of our series, Ten Reasons Christians Trust the Bible, we come to Reason #10, Fulfilled Prophecies. This familiar text from Isaiah the Prophet perfectly describes the Jesus who is revealed to us in the Gospels. Notice that even though Isaiah writes his prophecy in the past tense, he gives us the big picture of the coming Messiah. In contrast, the Gospels tell us the details and invite us into the experiences of Jesus, the Son of Man who is the Messiah. Jesus is fully human like us and is the Messiah who fulfills every word of Isaiah’s prophecy.

Jesus invites us to enter into the stories of the Gospels, to allow these stories to open our hearts to the truth that the Messiah has come. Jesus invites us to walk with him through Galilee and into the homes of his followers. We are tossed on the Sea of Galilee as it rages and swamps the boat while the disciples wonder how even the “wind and waves obey him.” At the well we hear the Samaritan woman be the first to call him Messiah. We are among the crowd on the hillside who hears the transforming words of the Sermon. We grow tired and weary with him as he engages those oppose to him. We sit with him in the Garden of Gethsemane as he prays with agony anticipating his impending crucifixion. We even stand weeping at the foot of his cross with John and his mother Mary. The Jesus of the Gospels is real, human, vulnerable, and he invites us into his life and work on earth.

Hundreds of years before these gospel encounters, the Prophet Isaiah wrote down for us the big picture perspective of the Messiah who would come to save us. Isaiah tells us that this Messiah would “grow up like a tender shoot” (Is. 53:1). Luke tells us that when Jesus the Messiah was twelve years old, he stayed behind in Jerusalem to “be in his Father’s house” (Lk 2:49). His parents came back for him and Jesus returned “to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them… And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk 2:51-52). Isaiah’s “tender shoot” was “obedient” and grew in wisdom and favor as he lived his teens and became a young adult.

Isaiah foretells the story of the suffering Messiah, saying he will be “despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” (Is 53:3). The Gospel of Mark gives us the details of the story. “They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him… Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him… Then they led him out to crucify him” (Mk 15:17-20).

Isaiah’s prophecy includes a description of the redemptive work of the Messiah. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Is 53:5). To Jesus’ disciples living just after the Messiah’s death and resurrection, Peter describes what he has seen and knows to be true. In his testimony, Peter weaves in quotes from Isaiah 53 to enable his readers to embrace the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1Peter 2:21-25).

It is true! Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled. The Messiah has come, and by his “punishment,” Jesus has brought us peace.

Consider—

╬ In what ways does the evidence of Fulfilled Prophecies bring you assurance and confidence in your faith?

╬ This summer, read again the Gospel accounts. Enter in with your imagination as Jesus invites you to walk with him. “Lord, show me your ways.”

╬ Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please draw us to your heart. By your Spirit, enable us to find ourselves in your story of life, suffering, sacrifice, and love. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.