Isaiah 53: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 53 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The prophecy asks who has believed the message and reveals the arm of Yahweh. The Suffering Servant grows up as a tender plant, lacking beauty and majesty. He is despised and rejected, a man of suffering who bears sickness and suffering.

Key verse

“But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 53:1–2 Introduction to the Suffering Servant
Isaiah 53:3–4 Rejection and Suffering
Isaiah 53:5–6 Vicarious Atonement
Isaiah 53:7–8 Silent Suffering
Isaiah 53:9–10 God’s Purpose in Suffering
Isaiah 53:11–12 Justification and Intercession

Discussion questions

What does the servant bear in v4 that people believe he is afflicted for?
Why does the servant not open his mouth in v7 when oppressed?
In v10, why does it say it 'pleased Yahweh to bruise him'?
Why is the servant described as 'a man of suffering' in v3?
When have you felt like the 'sheep' in v6 who have gone astray?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 53: 1 Peter 2, John 1, 1 Peter 3.

Before next time: read Isaiah 54.