The Cost of Greatness: to be despised, rejected, stricken, made to suffer, pierced, crushed, unfairly punished, oppressed, afflicted, given over to one’s enemies and falsely accused all the while silently bearing it.
Isaiah 53 is the Great Necessary Cost to becoming like Jesus. There is no higher calling, no greater honor or greater reward to be given to those who choose to lay down their lives in this way.