Caribbean Moravian Devotions

He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.   Isaiah 53:3

 

Let us examine the text for today's Watchword, Isaiah 53:3. It is reference to the promised Messiah and quite aptly describes JesusÂ’ treatment on earth. "He was despised and rejected by others". Jesus son of man was scorned by those who had a low opinion of him. They actually refused to accept him as the promised Messiah of the world. The "others" to whom the writer referred were the Jewish Leaders, mainly the Pharisees and Sadducees. Many of these Jewish leaders did not believe that the promised Messiah had come. Some possible reasons for their opposition towards him could have been:

 

(1) His Birth:Jesus was born in a stable with a manager for his bed. A lowly position. In addition, his mother was a poor virgin, Mary, Who was espoused to an ordinary carpenter, Joseph, from Nazareth.

(2) His Choice of friends:Jesus’ disciples were common fishermen along with a few tax collectors who were known to be dishonest in financial matters.

(3)  His methods of teaching and the miracles he performed brought much questioning and misunderstanding.

Isaiah looked upon the son of man as a Man of Sorrows. He said in Isaiah 53:3 "A man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity". Jesus knew grief and suffering. We can say that he came, He saw and he healed the sufferers. He healed all manner of sickness and diseases. He wept when his friend, Lazarus died (John 11 : 35).

Our Lord's greatest suffering and opposition from Satan were at his crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. The common sympathy bestowed on suffering mortals was denied him. Isaiah 53:3 stated "Others hid their faces". Our saviour's face was marred and covered with his blood which was split on our behalf and on the behalf of all those who crucified him. O, what great Love the saviour has for us – the Saviour whose birth we have just celebrated!

Prayer:
O heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. We do acknowledge the shame, disgrace and pain which he endured to save us from our sins.  Help us, O Father, to appreciate what great love you have for us. Help us to share such love with others.   Amen.