Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson.

1. How would you feel if your testimony convicted a person and sentenced them to death only to discover later that they were completely innocent?

2. What kind of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing would you like to receive right now?

Read Isaiah 53:4-6

1. Picture in your mind what the suffering in verses 4 and 5 looked like and imagine the agony experienced by this innocent man. Worse, consider this betrayal: Those who once followed and worshiped him turned their backs on him as he hung on the cross. Could we endure this kind of shame—even though we’re the ones who deserved the punishment? 

2. Read verse 6. Sheep tend to stray. What did the Lamb of God suffer because of our tendency to wander from our Shepherd?

3. Read Isaiah 52:13-15. What does it mean to say that Jesus would be raised and lifted up? In what way would he sprinkle many nations? How do these images speak to Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Read Isaiah 53:7-9

4. Sheep led to slaughter are silent because they don’t know what’s ahead. Jesus knew about the suffering he would endure for our sins and yet he continued to submit to the Father’s will. In what ways did Jesus suffer for your transgressions?

Read Isaiah 53:10-12

5. Is it difficult to read these words that Isaiah penned about our Savior’s suffering? Why was this punishment of Jesus necessary for our salvation and how does our knowledge of this change our eternity?

6. Discuss what you think the last sentence of verse 12 means. 

7. Read 1 Peter 2:24. Peter quotes Isaiah (53:4, 5): he “bore our suffering” and “by his wounds we are healed.” What healing do you need? What are you willing to do to allow Jesus to bear your suffering and offer him space to move you forward—to “die to sins and live for righteousness”? Discuss practical ways we can help others encounter his healing to find newness of life.

Conclude your group time with prayer, using the following as a guide.

Lord, as we consider your Son’s suffering, affliction, and punishment to pay for our sins, help us to continually praise Jesus in this season for his sacrifice. By the Messiah’s wounds we are healed; help us look to you for complete healing.