First Lesson: Isaiah 53:7-12

Theme: Righteousness and suffering

Exegetical Note
These verses conclude the third "Servant Song," which for obvious reasons has been taken as a prophecy about Jesus. The underlying concept here has implications beyond the Christological: in particular, the clear assertion is that suffering is not necessarily a sign of God’s disapproval, judgment or wrath, but may in fact visit the righteous and fit in with God’s mysterious but redemptive work.

Call to Worship
Leader: Let us face it, brothers and sisters: we do not understand suffering, especially when it occurs to the good or the young.
People: WE CONCOCT EXPLANATIONS FOR IT, NONE OF WHICH WE FIND SATISFYING; BUT MOSTLY WE TRY TO IGNORE IT.
Leader: One of our favorite explanations is that God is somehow pun…