A Thoughtful Look at Jesus, His Message, and Where Our Trust Belongs
Introduction: Isaiah 53:1 and Its Significance
Isaiah 53:1 asks, “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” This ancient question still echoes today. Isaiah was talking about a message so powerful it could change lives, yet so misunderstood and overlooked by many. As Christians, we often hear about Jesus and the gospel, but sometimes our focus drifts away from the very heart of the message: who Jesus is and what He truly did for us.
The Prophecy: Christ’s Suffering and Glory Foretold
Isaiah 53 describes someone who would suffer deeply—“a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” This prophecy, written centuries before Jesus was born, pointed straight to Him. It wasn’t just about pain; it also spoke of glory and victory that would come through suffering. Jesus didn’t fit the world’s picture of a powerful hero, yet His life and sacrifice revealed God’s strength in the most unexpected way.
Misplaced Expectations: How Jesus Differed from Messiah Expectations
Many people were looking for a Messiah who would come as a mighty king, overthrowing enemies and bringing instant success. Instead, Jesus arrived quietly, lived humbly, and spent time with those the world ignored. He didn’t match the expectations. Instead of parades and applause, He faced rejection and sorrow. This was hard for people to understand—how could God’s chosen one look so ordinary and suffer so much?
Disregarded Salvation: The Overlooked Message of Jesus
The report of salvation through Jesus is the greatest news ever told, but Isaiah says few believed it. Even today, the message can be ignored or pushed aside. Sometimes, we get caught up in traditions, programs, or personalities, and the simple truth of Jesus—God reaching out to save us—gets lost. His humble life, painful death, and glorious resurrection are the true center of our faith, yet they are often overshadowed by other things.
Trust Issues: Psalm 118 and Trusting God vs. Man
Psalm 118:8-9 reminds us, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” This is a gentle warning not to let our trust slip away from God onto people—no matter how impressive or influential they seem. Over time, even churches can fall into the habit of relying on leaders, systems, or traditions more than on God Himself.
Reflection: The Church’s Tendency to Trust People Over God
If we’re honest, the church has sometimes placed its hope in popular figures, movements, or strategies. We might think, “If only we follow this method or listen to that leader, everything will be alright.” But Isaiah and the psalmist urge us to come back to God—He’s the one who saves, heals, and guides. Jesus showed us that real power and hope don’t look like the world expects. They’re found in trusting God, even when His ways seem humble or hard to understand.
Conclusion: Returning Focus to Jesus and the Gospel
Isaiah’s question challenges us: Who will truly believe the message about Jesus? Let’s not miss the heart of the gospel—the humble Savior who suffered for us and rose to bring us life. Let’s be careful not to shift our trust away from God to things or people, no matter how good they seem. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and His message, we find the real hope and strength that God intended all along.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 