Man of Sorrows
E.A. Johnston powerfully reveals the profound suffering and sacrificial love of Jesus as the Man of Sorrows who bore humanity's griefs and sins for our healing and peace.
In this heartfelt sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the profound prophecy of Isaiah 53, revealing Jesus as the Man of Sorrows who willingly endured rejection, suffering, and death to bring healing and peace to humanity. Drawing from personal testimony and Scripture, Johnston invites listeners to deeply appreciate the sacrificial love of Christ and respond in faith. This message encourages believers to reflect on the cost of redemption and the comfort found in Jesus’ compassionate suffering.
Full Transcript
A man from Glasgow, Scotland, was remembering his godly father, who always led the family devotions at the family table. He said that his father loved Jesus so much, that when he would read Isaiah 53, he could never get past verse 5 without breaking down and sobbing like a baby. Hear now, o'er the word of God, may the Spirit of the Lord attend the reading of his holy word.
Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and we have hid, as it were, our faces from him.
He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten to God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.
The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All, we like sheep, have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction with a personal testimony from Glasgow
- The emotional impact of Isaiah 53 on believers
- Setting the stage for understanding the Man of Sorrows
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II
- The prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53:1-3
- Jesus’ rejection and despised nature
- The depth of His grief and sorrow
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III
- The substitutionary suffering of Christ in Isaiah 53:4-6
- Bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows
- The healing through His wounds and the peace from His chastisement
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IV
- The universal human condition of sin and going astray
- God’s justice and mercy in laying our iniquities on Christ
- The call to respond to this great sacrifice
Key Quotes
“He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” — E.A. Johnston
“Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten to God, and afflicted.” — E.A. Johnston
“The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus to deepen your gratitude and faith.
- Trust in Jesus’ healing power for your spiritual and emotional wounds.
- Respond to Christ’s love by living a life of obedience and devotion.