The Abasement of Christ and its Consequences
J. Clayton, ,M.A. Isaiah 52:14-15 As many were astonished at you; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:… I. THE UNEQUALLED ABASEMENT AND SORROW OF THE MESSIAH. Unequalled — 1. Because of the previous dignity from which He descended. 2. If we trace the various stages of His humiliation. Was He born? It was of no opulent parents. As He grew up he became the object of envy. When He sprang into youth, it was not to sway a sceptre or to govern millions, but to work with His reputed father. As He went on in His course He was exposed to the scoffs and malice of Jews and Gentiles, etc. Eye the Saviour's sufferings in what light you please, and you will find His sufferings were various as well as intense. He suffered as a man; from want — from fatigue — from poverty — from the crown of thorns placed on His head, etc. He suffered civilly, as a member of society. An insurrectionist and a murderer was preferred before Him. He suffered spiritually — from the thick volleys of fiery darts which were showered at Him, and from the hidings of His Father's countenance. And observe the associations which were likely to aggravate His sufferings. "They all forsook Him and fled." 3. Our Saviour's sufferings and woes derived additional poignancy and exquisiteness from the very character which He bare. "Many were astonied at Thee." The spectators were so, who smote upon their breasts, and returned, after having seen these things. Devils were astonished, when they saw how all the shafts of their malice recoiled. Angels were astonished as they ministered unto Him. So He is still a wonder unto many; and if He be not so to us, it is because of our criminal insensibility and indifference. II. THE MOMENTOUS CONSEQUENCES BY WHICH HIS SUFFERINGS AND SORROWS WERE TO BE FOLLOWED. "So shall He sprinkle many nations." There is a direct reference to the various aspersions and ablutions under the law of Moses. These were of three kinds — 1. An aspersion of the blood of atonement once a year. 2. An aspersion of water on the unclean person, called the water of separation, by which a person was separated to a holy purpose. 3. An aspersion both of water and of blood on the leper, by which he was pronounced clean, and needed no longer to remain without the camp. Combine these ideas, and they will give the two grand designs of our Saviour's death — a propitiation, and a purification. And recollect that these two great and important ends of our Saviour's death must always be associated. Here we see their superiority over the legal aspersions. (J. Clayton, ,M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: WEB: Like as many were astonished at you (his appearance was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),