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SAIAH 52 leads in perfectly into Isaiah 53, which is an amazing view of the good news of the crucifixion of Christ. However, it seems odd that such good news should wear such a grotesque face. The good news is that our redemption is real. Our God reigns (Isaiah 52:7). A comforter is come (Isaiah 52:9). God's strength is apparent. Salvation is seen (Isaiah 52:10). This is indeed very good news. But, what does this look like? Well, let's look at Him(Isaiah 52:14). We will look at some of the horrid details of His torment in chapter 53, but consider the visage of our suffering Savior today. What must His face have looked like to be"marred more than any man" during the night and day of His passion? We know that He sweat "as it were great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). His face was beaten by a group of soldiers. Doubtlessly this left his face swollen, bleeding and (we also know) polluted with human spittle (Matthew 26:67). He had a crown of thorns beaten into His brow (Matthew 27:29-30). Handfuls of his beard were ripped from his cheeks (Isaiah 50:6). Surely there were tears streaming from His sad eyes (Matthew 27:46).
So, this man with a marred visage is the lovely Lord of Glory. But, on the cross He wasn't looking quite so lovely (Isaiah 53:2). This picture of Him reveals to us just how deeply God hates sin. That He would put Himself through that degree of maltreatment screams both of His holiness, and yes, of His compassion too (John 10:18 & Acts 2:23). He endured so much for us. He was abused so unfairly for our forgiveness. Let us all tell to sinners far and wide that Jesus was bruised & battered for them. So many don't see it. Show it to them.
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