How does Isaiah 52:13 foreshadow Jesus' exaltation and ultimate victory? Setting the Scene “Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” (Isaiah 52:13) Key Words, Rich Meaning • Behold – a divine spotlight: God Himself calls us to stop and look. • My Servant – a specific, chosen One; in the New Testament this title attaches directly to Jesus (Acts 3:13). • Will prosper / act wisely – more than financial success; it is the guaranteed success of God’s mission (John 17:4). • Raised … lifted up … highly exalted – a three-step ascent pointing to resurrection, ascension, and enthronement (Ephesians 1:20-22). Step-by-Step Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Triumph 1. Resurrection “He will be raised” – Matthew 28:5-6 shows the empty tomb. – Romans 6:9 confirms death no longer rules over Him. 2. Ascension “lifted up” – Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9 describe Jesus taken up into heaven before His disciples’ eyes. – John 3:14 links being “lifted up” with both the cross and the subsequent victory. 3. Enthronement “highly exalted” – Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place…” – Hebrews 1:3: He sits “at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” ruling now. Why This Triple Exaltation Matters • Guarantees the Servant’s mission succeeds. • Secures forgiveness and new life for all who believe (1 Peter 2:24). • Announces His present reign and coming visible kingdom (Revelation 11:15). Old Testament Echoes Amplified in Christ • Isaiah 6:1 – the Lord “high and lifted up”; the Servant shares the very place of divine glory. • Psalm 110:1 – “Sit at My right hand”; fulfilled in Acts 2:34-36. • Daniel 7:13-14 – the Son of Man receives dominion; realized in Jesus’ ascension and coming return. Ultimate Victory Secured Because Jesus is already “raised … lifted up … highly exalted,” His future triumph is certain: death defeated, every knee bowing, every tongue confessing. The Servant’s exaltation in Isaiah 52:13 is not a distant hope—it is the present reality of the risen Christ and the unshakeable guarantee of His final, universal victory. |
    |