Bonus Reading, Isaiah

The Suffering Servant   

Today's reading is often read on Good Friday.  It describes one who will suffer for the sins of many.  This servant will be despised, scorned, and greatly mistreated -- evidently even killed -- but who will be a source of righteousness for many.

Usually, Christians see this as a description of Jesus Christ.  (In addition to being read on Good Friday, it also is the source of part of Handel's Messiah about the crucifixion.)  In the coming months, during the weeks reading the Gospels, it many of the parallels between this chapter and the life of Jesus become obvious.

Read Isaiah 53:1-12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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