How does Isaiah 53:6 connect with the parable of the lost sheep? Setting the Scene Isaiah 53:6 and Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7; cf. Matthew 18:12-14) use the same pastoral picture to reveal God’s heart for sinners. One text foretells the Servant’s saving work; the other illustrates it in story form. Isaiah 53:6 – Our Straying Isaiah 53:6: “We all like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” • Universal problem: “We all” • Personal choice: “each one” • Consequence removed: “laid upon Him the iniquity of us all” Luke 15:1-7 – The Lost Sheep Luke 15:4-7 (BSB, condensed): “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? … I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.” • One sheep lost = priceless to the Shepherd • Active search “until he finds it” • Joyful restoration and heaven’s celebration Shared Imagery and Themes • Sheep = people • Straying/lost = sin and separation • Shepherd = the Lord/Jesus • Rescue = divine initiative • Joy = heaven’s response to salvation Straying Sheep: Human Condition “gone astray” ↔︎ “lost” “turned to his own way” ↔︎ on wrong path, unable to return Both texts insist we are helpless unless sought out. Seeking Shepherd: Divine Initiative • Isaiah predicts the LORD placing our iniquity on the Servant—God acts first. • In the parable, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes after the one—God pursues. • John 10:11, 14-15: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Substitution and Restoration: The Cost of Rescue • Isaiah: sin transferred to the Servant. • Parable: no explicit mention of cost, yet Jesus Himself is the Shepherd who will soon fulfill Isaiah 53 at the cross. • 1 Peter 2:24-25 links them: “You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Takeaways for the Believer • Our wandering is real and universal. • Christ personally seeks and shoulders each sinner. • Rescue required His substitutionary sacrifice foretold in Isaiah and embodied in the Shepherd who “lays down His life.” • Heaven’s joy underscores the worth of every soul. |
    |