The Success of the Gospel
Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many…


How few of us are satisfied! The prophet himself seems far from being satisfied; for in the first verse of the chapter he laments, "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" And yet so complete shall be the Gospel at last, so entirely shall it fulfil all that God meant it to accomplish, that Jesus Himself shall be satisfied.

I. WHY THIS SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL IS CALLED THE TRAVAIL OF JESUS' SOUL. Because Gospel blessings are given us on account of Christ's sufferings.

II. If we would see a little more clearly the final success of the Gospel, let us ask, WHEN DID HE SEE THE TRAVAIL OF HIS SOUL, AND WAS SATISFIED? at what time? This chapter, I think, tells us when. "When thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin," says the tenth verse, "He shall see His seed."

III. If we would ask IN WHAT RESPECTS JESUS WAS SATISFIED, we may answer at once, in every respect. All the purposes for which He died will be accomplished. We may hence learn —

1. That the number of those finally saved will be exceedingly great.

2. The complete final sanctification of believers.

3. Another reason for which Christ poured out His soul unto death was, to obtain for us the grace and help of His Holy Spirit.

(E. Bradley.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

WEB: After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself; and he will bear their iniquities.




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