Isaiah 52:14–15 describes Jesus’ crucifixion, His passion, and speaks of the way He was physically marred and disfigured beyond that of any human being and beyond human likeness. “His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind” (Isaiah 52:14, ESV).
The incarnate Son of God became man and suffered on the cross. “Though he was in the form of God,” He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men,” and “became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6–8, ESV).
He was handed over to His own people and delivered to be crucified (Matthew 27:1–2, 22–26; John 19:16). He was beaten and flogged (Matthew 27:26; John 19:1), had the crown of thorns placed on His head, was mocked, spat upon, and struck on the head (Matthew 27:27–31; Mark 15:16–20; John 19:2–3).
Isaiah had already spoken of this suffering, saying, “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6, ESV). (Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:30).
He had to carry His cross (John 19:17), and this bloodied man was hanging on the cross, pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).
That became the blood that would “sprinkle many nations” (Isaiah 52:15), speaking of the salvation and cleansing that would come through Jesus Christ for all nations and for those who would believe in Him.