Isaiah 50:6
Read Isaiah 50:6
Helpful Background Information:
In our sermon passage for the week, we see our Lord predict his coming death for the third time. As with the previous two predictions, there is an increasing amount of clarity in Jesus’s words. However, our focus today is on how Jesus predicts his death. More specifically, the words he uses originate from Isaiah’s prophecy about the sufferings of God’s servant, whom the New Testament clearly identifies as Christ.
In Mark 10:33-34, Jesus explains that he will be mocked, spat upon, flogged/scourged, and killed. In Isaiah 50:6, we see that the suffering servant will be beaten, spat upon, and his cheeks hit and beard ripped out. Although Jesus’s description of his suffering differs from Isaiah's in wording concerning his cheeks and beard, Christ’s description of his humiliation certainly includes this aspect. Likewise, “beaten” (from Isaiah) and “flogged/scourged” (from Mark) are interchangeable, as the Greek word “mastigoo” is used in both Mark 10:34 and the Greek translation of Isaiah 50:6, the version of the Old Testament used by the New Testament authors.
From this, we can draw the following conclusions. First, Christ is indeed the Suffering Servant from Isaiah, and hence, Jesus’ death, down to precise details, for the sins of his people was prophesied around 700 years before his earthly ministry. Second, the humiliation of Christ models for us what true greatness looks like. Jesus submitted himself to the Father and endured suffering beyond compare. True humility for us comes by modeling Christ, seeking to submit to God in the face of every trial. Third, may we with reverent hearts give thanks to Christ for what he endured for our salvation. Remember, Christ is predicting his death here; he has not yet undergone suffering. He quotes prophecies that must take place. Even though he knew everything about to go down, he went forth and endured the humiliation and the cross for the sake of those who place their faith in him!
Reflection Questions:
How does Isaiah 50:6 deepen your understanding of Jesus’s words in Mark 10:33–34? Why do you think it matters that Jesus intentionally used language drawn from Isaiah’s prophecy when predicting his death?
How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering move your heart toward gratitude or worship? Take a moment to thank Jesus specifically for what he endured. What words come to mind in prayer?
How might remembering Christ’s suffering shape the way you face suffering or hardship in your own life this week?