First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12

Theme: Man of sorrows for the sins of many

Exegetical Note
In this fourth and final Servant Song, the description of the innocent servant’s vicarious and redemptive sufferings is "sandwiched" between the triumphant assurances of his ultimate vindication. The correspondence with the role and fate of Jesus has made this passage a favorite for Christological interpretation since the early church.

Call to Worship
Leader: Surely Christ has borne our griefs; truly he has carried our sorrows,
People: FOR HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS AND BRUISED FOR OUR SINS.
Leader: Upon him was the punishment that made us whole.
People: AND WITH HIS WOUNDS WE ARE SET FREE. THANKS BE TO GOD!

Collect
Almighty God, who sent a Suffering Servant as an offering for the re…