Discussion Questions on Isaiah 53:1-9

by John Davis

Discussion Questions on Isaiah 53:1-9

The Glorious Triumph of the Suffering Servant

As seen by redeemed sinners

1. How does the text indicate that Isaiah, the prophet, speaks proleptically (puts himself in the place) of some in the future who have witnessed both the sufferings of Christ and his resurrection and who have responded in faith?
2. How does 1 Peter 2:21-25 use of Isaiah 53 indicate that this is not only Israelites who come to recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, such as at Pentecost, but also believers from among the nations?
3. In what way does this text move us to both solemnity and joy? How are those moods reflected in the Lord’s Table?
4. Verse one what indicates that those who make this confession (4-6) are somewhat mystified to the response of their bearing witness to the death and resurrection of Christ. In a natural sense why is it difficult to believe in the message of the cross?
   • What is it about the servant himself that makes faith difficult? What do the metaphors of ‘tender plant’ and ‘root out of dry ground’ imply?
   • What words indicate the innate resistance in the human heart?
5. Also, Verse one indicates that those who make this confessions (4-6) are somewhat mystified at how the power of God (arm of the Lord) works in human hearts.  Why does this call us to prayerful dependence upon God to work in hearts to receive the gospel?
6. What various word pictures that Isaiah utilizes in verse 4-6 help us to recognize ourselves in these verses?
7. What expressions in verse 4-6 help us to recognize the vicarious suffering of Jesus Christ? Explain vicarious.
8. What words help us to recognize the language of the passion (suffering) of Christ?
9. In verses 7-9 what words indicate the innocence of Christ and His quiet resolve to do the Father’s will?
10. What is there about his burial that implies some sort of vindication?
11. Discuss when and how you made this confession and why we continually need to make this confession?
12. Do you think that consciously reaffirming this confession should bring us both to worship and to witness?

John Davis

On September 10, 1970 I came to understand the great love of God for me, a sinner and a rebel. That evening I received God’s forgiveness and a new life through Jesus Christ, who died in my place and rose again to offer forgiveness and new life. I have been senior pastor for over 30 years planting two churches in Buckingham, PA and Queens, NY and serving two other churches in Brooklyn, NY and Roslyn, PA. I am currently the lead pastor at Grace Church of Philly.