Isaiah 53 is probably the most famous Messianic passage of all Scripture. In this chapter, we learn of the Suffering Servant. The prophet tells us that this servant would be “despised,” “rejected,” “a Man of sorrows,” “smitten by God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities,” and heal us “by His stripes.”
If you are in any way familiar with the life of Jesus of Nazareth, then you cannot help but see that this prophecy was fulfilled in Him. Throughout the New Testament, it is revealed that Jesus was, in fact, the Servant described in Isaiah 53. For example, when speaking of Jesus, Peter wrote, “…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Pet. 2:24). If it was obvious to the New Testament writers and every Christian that Jesus is the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, then how do modern Jews reconcile not believing in Jesus as the Messiah?
The most common argument modern Jews make is that the Suffering Servant is not the Messiah. In this view, it is argued that the Servant is not an individual, but the entire nation of Israel. Meaning, that is the revived Jewish kingdom that will fulfill this prophecy. They point to several passages preceding Isaiah 53 that directly identifies “Jacob and Israel” as a servant of God (cf. Isa. 41:8-9; 44:1-2, 21, 26; 45:4; 49:3). But is this the same servant of Isaiah 53?
Without spending too much time in Isaiah, it can be seen very quickly that the prophet refers to more than one person as God’s servant. Early in the book, kings Hezekiah and Cyrus are called servants of God. Furthermore, in chapters 42-53, it is clear that Isaiah speaks of two different servants of God. Certainly, there is Israel, but there is another. This is shown clearest in chapter 49:1-7, where this second servant speaks to Israel. In verse 5, He says, “And now the Lord says, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel is gathered to Him…” Not only is there a second servant, but this Servant will redeem God’s other servant, Israel. This is the Messiah.
So, which servant is Isaiah 53 talking about? We can prove that the Suffering Servant is the Messiah. In verse 8, we see who is benefited by His suffering. “…For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” Who were God’s people in the Old Testament? They were Israel. Is it possible for Israel to be stricken for the transgressions of Israel? Nonsense! This servant must be the Messiah, whose life described in the prophets was perfectly fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.