Isaiah 53:10-12 – Sharing Christ’s triumph

These final three verses of Isaiah 53 set the tone for the climate of the Messiah’s suffering. It resulted in His triumph and glory. God was pleased to crush Him, causing Him great pain and grief. But He on His part was willing to offer Himself as a sin offering so that the purpose of God could be accomplished. In giving Himself as a guilt offering, the fruit of His sacrifice was realized. The act of atonement opened the way for those who believe in Him to be reconciled to God, referred to as “off-spring.” Paul in Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God “…predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” This was made possible by Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Earlier in Isaiah 53:8, we are told that Messiah would “be cut off from the land of the living.” This inferred His death. Then in verse 10, we are told that His life will be prolonged. This we see in the resurrection of Christ. God raised Him from the dead. Everything Christ had done pleased God and brought great satisfaction to Him.

Verses 11-12 speak of the accomplishment of the Messiah’s atoning sacrifice. His sacrifice not only brought Him delight to Himself but also justification to many. For in His sacrifice He became the sin-bearer for those who would believe in Him and took the punishment due to them. What Christ had done pleased God who now apportioned Him a place among the great. In His accomplished work, He became a mighty conqueror so now we, His followers, could share the effect of His triumph. We now join Him to enjoy the spoil of His victory. His death and resurrection had mitigated our wrong and earn our acceptance with God. Praise God, He now lives to make intercession for us.      

Hebrews 12:2 encapsulates Isaiah 53:10-12 for us. It says, Christ “…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” What was the joy that made Him endure such intense suffering? He saw in what He had done believers’ reconciliation with God. God’s heart is for us to know Him and experience His goodness. Without removing our sins we would not be able to come close. Christ’s atoning sacrifice made it possible for God to forgive our sin and make us His children. He became sin for us so that we can become the righteous sons and daughters of God. Praying that this deep love that Christ has for us will stir up our gratitude to respond and love Him in return, freely and fully from an awakened heart.