The theme of salvation by way of substitution runs throughout the Bible. It began with sheep in the place of sinners, but by the time we reach Isaiah 53, the substitutionary sheep is replaced by a person – the Servant of the LORD. We are told that this enigmatic figure will manifest God’s own saving power, and yet he will be despised and rejected by those he came to save. He will be as innocent as a lamb, and yet he will be counted and punished as a transgressor. Who has believed this perplexing message? Only those who recognize and revere the unique juxtapositions found in the one Servant of the LORD.