Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and bestselling author Dr. Paul David Tripp connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way.

With Advent season upon us, today's episode is going to feature another Advent sermon of Paul's from the archives. In it, Paul focuses

on the sixth verse from Isaiah 53 to reveal our spiritual need and wandering heart. But instead

of punishing us for what we deserve, the Lord sends another sheep, the sacrificial

infant lamb. The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Here's Paul with Advent the Lamb.

As I think of this season of the year, I again, I'm brought back to Isaiah 53. I think of this season of the year, I again am brought back to Isaiah 53.

I think who would have accepted this job description?

You would not be attractive to the people that live around you. You would be summarily rejected by everyone, even your closest friends.

Your life would be marked again and again by suffering and affliction.

You would be led like a lamb to slaughter and you would not speak in your own defense.

And finally, your death would be amongst criminals being one who was crushed for crimes you did not commit.

Who would accept such a job description?

You would only accept that call if you knew that it was an absolute necessity,

and it would result in ultimate joy.

Turn with me to Isaiah 53.

I want to read this entire chapter for you, although we'll just look at one verse in the middle.

Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or majesty that we should look at him and no beauty that we should

desire him. He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

And as one from whom men hide their faces,

...