April 18, 2025

Suggested Readings:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Psalm 22

Hebrews 10:16-25

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

John 18:1-19:42

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Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is the fourth, last, and longest of the so-called “Servant Songs” (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13–53:12). This song introduces the idea of vicarious suffering. The servant suffers not in anticipation of, but instead of, the suffering of others. Moreover, the others on whose behalf the servant suffers are not fellow Israelites, but the nations. The Israelites had to endure the exile and the suffering it engendered because that suffering was done in service to God so that God, through their atoning sacrifice, could redeem the nations. Vicarious suffering is always done on behalf of someone else. In this instance the suffering of Israel is depicted as creating a path for God to redeem other nations.

It is not a gigantic leap to understand why Christian theology adopted this song and applied the vicarious suffering described therein to be akin to the abuse and suffering that Jesus experienced on behalf of all humankind.

The agonized cry of the psalmist “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, is the cry of Jesus from the cross (Matthew 27:46: Mark 15:34). It is the heart-rending lament of one who feels abandoned by God. However, rescue results in the complainant’s thanksgiving and the praise of the community. Circumstances change, as the exuberance of praise in verses 22-23 and 25-26 indicate. God did not hide the divine face (v. 24). All nations, all who have died, and those yet unborn are charged to praise and serve God.

I once stood on The Stone Pavement (John 19:13) where Pilate passed sentence on Jesus. It is most humbling to realize that one is standing in this place where, in a legal sense, the greatest travesty of justice took place. While legally the trial was a sham, theologically Jesus’ “hour” made possible the greatest gift of all, salvation. Through vicarious suffering Jesus made it possible for us to be forgiven and experience eternal life. John uses “hour” symbolically to refer to the hour of Jesus’ glorification—death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus did not resist or proclaim his innocence. When the soldiers came to arrest him he stepped right up, asked them who they were seeking, and identified himself with the statement, “I am he.” With those words he identifies himself as the presence of God in the world.

Although the world’s powers think that they have judged Jesus, the trial narrative has shown Jesus to be the true judge and king. In flinching neither from testifying to the truth nor from laying down his life, Jesus demonstrates the power of the love of God.

Reflection: I heard a story about a young boy who refused to remove his coat in school. Day after day, the teacher demanded he remove the coat, but he steadfastly refused. Finally, in exasperation, the teacher threatened physical punishment. The child removed the coat, to expose that he had no shirt. Flummoxed the teacher felt compelled to follow through on the punishment. Just as the teacher was about to administer the paddle, another young man in the class stepped forward to say “I’ll take his punishment.” That is vicarious suffering. That is what Jesus did for us.

Repentance: When I stand on The Stone Pavement, walk the path to Calvary, or visit the Garden tomb I am compelled to beg forgiveness for my selfish sin. I confess my arrogance and humble my heart in the face of God’s love.

Reconciliation: The act of contrition allows God to forgive my sin and I am welcomed into the relationship with the great “I am” for which I was created.

Renewal: The burden of sin lifted, my spirit is renewed within me. My sin no longer counted against me, I experience new, abundant life.