From Suffering to Glory
Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27
International Sunday School Lesson
April 27, 2014
Commentary
By
Jed Greenough
Spring is here! Well I hope when this is posted anyway because as I write this a few weeks in advance we still have snow in our forecast where I’m at despite what the calendar says. In any case spring is eventually a time of growth and birth, renewal and energy. The winter blahs are replaced by spring ahs.
As we consider our lesson for this Sunday I think that this scripture is one that should encourage us to plant the seeds in our churches for renewed growth. I don’t mean a growth in numbers but growth doctrinally and in practice where you worship.
By the time you read this the scripture for today will be too late for those who don’t attend your class but it needn’t be for you. Use this scripture as a renewing force to accomplish growth where you worship.
This scripture shows people why they can have faith in the Bible. The words in Isaiah for today that for us so clearly points to Christ were written roughly 700 years prior to His life. The Jews who had them all that time could not apply them to Christ even those who walked with Him as we see the need for Him to explain in today’s scripture from Luke.
And clearly if He took the time to explain it to them it was vital, after all these were the ones who quickly, effectively and bravely built the new church. Similarly, it was Paul who said, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
This was all Paul wanted to concentrate on the Corinthians knowing, Jesus Christ, why He had to suffer and die and arise on the third day. This really should be at the core for all of us and we all must be able to explain it to the next individual.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19
Really without hearing, knowing and understanding how will any come to a true faith? Again according to 1 Corinthians 1 there will be some, whether Jew or Greek or Gentile that will find it foolishness while others will see the wisdom of God. Also from Isaiah 53 this time verse 1, “Who has believed our message and to who has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” The answer is you and me and some of those who we can share these Biblical facts with just as Christ did.
You know when asked about the signs of the End of the Age Christ talked in Matthew 24 about falling stars and we’ve had plenty of those lately in the form of meteor showers. He also said the moon will not give its light and we had a lunar eclipse just a couple weeks ago with three more soon to follow. Eventually just as Spring will firmly arrive for good so too will Christ. We only have a limited amount of time to educate and be educated. Plant the seeds while it’s the right season!
For Discussion:
1. Discuss how the scripture from Isaiah 53 makes you feel.
2. Read all of Isaiah 53 and the not included 1 Corinthians chapters 1 & 2.
3. Discuss parallels you see between the scripture from Isaiah and the synoptic gospels.
4. Discuss places in the New Testament where the scripture from Isaiah 53 is literally quoted.
5. As I mentioned in another commentary read about the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 as he came to faith after having these words from Isaiah 53 explained to him by Philip!!
6. Discuss how Christ was foretold throughout the Old Testament.
7. Discuss repentance after hearing and understanding.
Upcoming Lessons
5-4-14 Jesus Resists Temptation, Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
5-11-14 Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21
5-18-14 Jesus’ Teaching on the Law, Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20
5-25-14 The Greatest Commandment, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
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