“I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6 ESV).
The prophet Isaiah foresaw the coming of the Servant of the Lord, who would willingly endure great suffering and humiliation. Written over 700 years before Christ, this verse pointed unmistakably to Jesus, the Messiah. The language is striking: “I gave.” This shows the voluntary nature of His suffering. He was not overpowered or caught unaware. He willingly gave His back to be scourged, His cheeks to be torn, and His face to be spit upon. In the ancient world, each of these acts symbolized both physical pain and public disgrace. Yet the Servant submitted without resistance or complaint, foreshadowing Jesus’ silent endurance before His accusers (Isa. 53:7; Matt. 26:67; 27:26, 30). The Servant’s obedience shines in contrast to Israel’s disobedience. Where God’s people turned away, the Servant turned toward suffering, fully trusting the Father’s purpose.
We marvel that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy in such detail. He who was without sin willingly suffered humiliation and pain for us. He gave Himself so that we might be forgiven and restored to God. How might we respond? First, with worship and gratitude. Let us never grow dull to the wonder that our Savior bore spitting and scourging in our place. Second, with imitation. Christ’s submission gives us an example of how to endure suffering with trust in God. When insulted or mistreated, we need not retaliate, but can entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly (1 Pet. 2:21–23). Third, with witness. Just as Isaiah proclaimed what was to come, we are called to proclaim what Christ has already done. He gave Himself for us!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we stand in awe of Your Son, who willingly gave Himself for our salvation. Forgive us when we forget His great sacrifice for us. Strengthen us to worship Him with thankful hearts, to follow His example of patient endurance, and to boldly witness to others of His saving work. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.