The Passion of Christ

The Passion of Christ, God’s Suffering Servant

Isaiah 50:6; 52:13-15; 53:1-12

In the past week and a half, millions of people have entered movie theaters to witness Mel Gibson’s movie, "The Passion of The Christ." I am one of those millions and I appreciated his efforts to focus the attention of his audiences on how our Lord suffered and died. Of course, the movie is not perfect, and it is very graphic (not for young children). But overall, it is very close to what the Bible reveals about the sufferings of our Savior.

However, long before the events occurred as recorded in the gospels, Isaiah foretold in graphic detail what would happen to God’s suffering servant. Philip quoted from Isaiah in Acts 8:30-39. Philip preached "Jesus."

God’s Servant did not come just to satisfy us. ( 53:2-3)

A. His birth, hometown, appearance

B. A "man of sorrows"

The Servant of God came to save us. (53:4-6)

C. Jews & Gentiles are wrong to reject Him!

D. He was scourged for us.

The Servant of God suffered silently. (53:7-8)

E. What more did He need to say?

F. He did say, "Father, forgive them …"

The Servant satisfies God. (53:10)

G. It pleased God to bruise Him.

H. Jn. 3:16; Titus 3:3-7; Philippians 2:5-11

Now, what about us? Jesus did His Father’s will. What is our Father’s will for us? It’s revealed in the last will and testament of Jesus Christ – the New Testament. Do not reject it (Jn. 12:48; Heb. 2:3)!