MAN OF SORROWS | POWER TO OVERCOME TRIBULATIONS

1. Man Of Sorrows

a) Isaiah Chapter 53 is the prophecy of the suffering servant.

b) We'll begin where the chapter should really begin, at the words, "Behold my Servant..." (Isaiah 52:13), and continue through all of chapter 53. We won't attempt to glean everything these 15 verses offer, but will concentrate on the key statement, He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3).

c) This statement refers to Christ’s suffering on the cross, where "his appearance was marred more than any man..." (Isaiah 52:13-14). Our passage ends with the statement, "He poured out himself unto death and was numbered with the transgressors — yet he himself bore the sins of many and interceded for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).

d) Christ suffered death to atone for our sins. Atonement means to make “at one” with God those who are separated from him by sin (1 John 2:1-2).

e) He rose to intercede for us as our great High Priest who ever lives. Intercession means being our advocate with God, representing us before God. (Romans 8:34 Hebrews 7:25-27). This is the focus of our learning.

2. Power To Overcome Tribulations

Isaiah 53:4
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.

a) Christ is pictured as one who "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. This is more than just understanding and being acquainted with our sorrows and griefs; it's shouldering those troubles and lifting the burden from us. When Matthew points to the fulfillment of this prophecy, he shows Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus has power to overcome tribulation. (Matthew 8:16-17).

b) We can come to Christ not only for understanding but for overcoming. He'll listen to our troubles and be sympathetic; but better still he'll empower us to overcome and conquer.