Read Matt. 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4, Jesus Bore our Sicknesses

There are several things we should mention that help us to see how Jesus was doing the work of the Messiah as He went about healing.

·        First, remember the context of Matthew 8-9, where Matthew puts several stories together that give evidence of Jesus claims.  We noted this in our recent posts as we were studying through Matthew’s gospel.  Thus, this claim to fulfillment is in the midst of an emphasis of signs that demonstrate Jesus is the Messiah.

·        Second, note the context in Isaiah.  In Isaiah there are, what are generally called, four “Servant Songs.”  They are found in Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11 and 52:13-53:12.  In two later passages in Matthew we will return to these songs.

o   What characterizes these songs is their reference to the Messiah as Yahweh’s Servant.  The references are personal, in the singular.  They can be easily seen as fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.  This is especially true of Isaiah 53.  It describes the Servant bearing the sins of the people and dying for those sins.  His death is seen as “atonement.” 

o   The Rabbis today teach that the Servant is the nation of Israel.  They note, e.g. Isa 49:3, which says And He said to me, You are My servant, O Israel.  Can this be a correct interpretation?  No, we answer, and here is why.  Just continue reading Isa. 49:3-6 where it clearly says that the Servant will bring the nation back to the LORD.  Further, the Servant will not only receive the nation (the tribes of Jacob) but will also be given the Nations (Gentiles).  He will bring salvation to the ends of the earth.  Both the nation and the Messiah are called the LORD’s Servant; again, these songs refer to an individual, not a nation.

o   There is evidence that Rabbis in the past recognized Isaiah 53 as referring to the Messiah.  It was evident that the Essenes at Qumron held this view.  Many since the time of Christ have held this view, including the famed rabbi Maimonides (Rambam) in the twelfth century. (See JFJ p9-12 for more specifics on this.)

·        Third, remember the connection between sickness and sin.  Sickness entered a world where God saw all things as good after sin entered the world.  Sickness is part of the groaning of creation that awaits the revelation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:18-25).  Isaiah 53 is all about the Messiah’s vicarious suffering for the sins of the world.  The atonement will provide freedom from sickness when it also provides us freedom from sin.  Jesus' healings strongly connect with His Messianic purpose.

To summarize, this prophecy both in Isaiah and Matthew are in very Messianic contexts.  The Rabbis, until recently, generally agreed that the passage referenced Messiah.  And healing sickness is very much in line with the mission of Messiah.  We must conclude, Matthew was right to draw from the prophet Isaiah.