Easter * Reading 1 * Isaiah 53:7-12
Isaiah 53:7-12 ~ The Suffering ServantCommentary
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
and who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life, and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Our first reading focuses on the character of Jesus, on the demeanor with which he approached his suffering. As we read the second half of the fourth and last "Servant Song" in Isaiah, a text used in the liturgy of the word on Good Friday, the horror of the crucifixion is held sharply before us. How appalling to read that "the Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity!"

Jesus' death begins to make sense only when we recognize the great love the Father has for us - so great a longing in the Father's heart for us that we be restored to full friendship with him, that he would ask his Son to go to such great lengths on our behalf. The words of the proclamation sung at the Easter vigil marvel at God's motive:

"Father, how wonderful your care for us! How boundless your merciful love! To ransom a slave you gave away your Son."
Jesus' full agreement with the Father's love is seen in the absence of any resistance to the suffering that was entailed. His silence signals his complete assent to the plan of salvation that his dying will accomplish.

The suffering servant song ends on a triumphant note:

"If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord will be accomplished through him."
Through Jesus' humble submission and surrender to death, God' purposes for each of us can be accomplished.

For reflection
Sit quietly before a crucifix and reflect on the immensity of Jesus' love for you.
Prayer starter
Lord Jesus, how tremendous is your love! How overwhelming it is that you laid down your life for me! I offer my life to you in return. Do with me whatever you will.
Article 3 | God's Word Online Index | Easter: Table of Contents | Reading 2
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