Isaiah 53 still holds a special place in heart. When I was in high school, I became seriously interested in Christianity as a result of being around several strong Christian friends. And as I began learning more about Jesus, I was struck by his life and ministry. One day, I read carefully for the first time Isaiah 53. I was absolutely floored. I could not believe that such a prophecy in the Old Testament could so plainly speak of Christ.

Then and since I have read efforts to explain away this prophecy. I have seen efforts to analogize this chapter to Israel or to others. But none of those explanations can explain away the poignant beauty of this chapter.

Abinadi understood this. He knew that these words would pierce his listeners through the heart. Like Abinadi I challenge anyone to read these words and not be stirred.

Yet, Isaiah’s words also make me even more appreciative of the plainness of the Book of Mormon. I love that the Book of Mormon prophets spoke with unmistakable clarity so that no one can misinterpret. No one can read the Book of Mormon and not know that Christ is the savior.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.