Scholarship, context and study plans for Come, Follow Me
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” — Isaiah 1:18
Come, Follow Me · Old Testament 2026 · Week 41
“He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows”
October 5–11, 2026Isaiah 50–578 chapters · 124 verses
At the center of these chapters is the clearest Old Testament prophecy of the Savior's Atonement: a servant despised and rejected, wounded for our transgressions, led as a lamb to the slaughter. Around it Isaiah calls Zion to wake up, put on her strength and beautiful garments, and enlarge her tent. And he invites everyone: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters … and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat.”
Chapter
Also read in
The text shown is the King James Version, the Church's preferred English Bible for classes and meetings. The General Handbook lists the ESV and NRSV as helpful translations for ages 14 and up. They are copyrighted, so they open on their publishers' sites. Highlighted verses have a study note with links to compare that verse.
Study guide
Isaiah 53 is at the heart of this week. These notes help you read it closely and see how the surrounding chapters call Zion to rise.
How to read this week
Read Isaiah 53 with Mosiah 14–15. Abinadi quotes the chapter and then explains it, verse by verse. His commentary is the best key we have.
Mark the pronouns in Isaiah 53. “He” bears, “we” go astray, “our” sins, “his” stripes. The chapter is built on the contrast between the servant and us.
Use D&C 113 for Isaiah 52. Joseph Smith explained “put on thy strength” and “loose thyself from the bands of thy neck” (D&C 113:7–10).
Hear the invitations. Awake (52:1), come to the waters (55:1), seek the Lord (55:6), return (55:7). Isaiah invites everyone, including foreigners and outcasts (56:3–7).
See how the Savior used these chapters. He quoted Isaiah 52 and 54 to the Nephites (3 Nephi 20–22).
The movement of Isaiah 50–57
Ch. 50 — The servant's obedient suffering
Ch. 51 — Comfort for Zion; look to your roots
Ch. 52 — Zion, awake; good tidings on the mountains
52:13–53:12 — The suffering servant
Ch. 54 — Zion enlarged; an everlasting covenant of peace
Ch. 55 — Everyone invited to the waters
Chs. 56–57 — A house of prayer for all; healing for the contrite
Images and ideas to recognize
Passage
Image
What it means
Isa 50:7
Face like a flint
Unwavering resolve to fulfill His mission.
Isa 52:1
Beautiful garments
Priesthood power and holiness (D&C 113:8).
Isa 52:7
Beautiful feet on the mountains
Messengers bringing the gospel.
Isa 53:7
Lamb to the slaughter
The silent, willing sacrifice of Christ.
Isa 54:2
Tent stakes
The Church growing and strengthening.
Isa 55:1
Waters without money
The free gift of salvation.
Restoration connections
Mosiah 14–16 — Abinadi's quotation of and commentary on Isaiah 53.
D&C 113:7–10 — Joseph Smith explains Isaiah 52:1–2.
3 Nephi 20–22 — The Savior quotes Isaiah 52 and 54 to the Nephites.
Alma 7:11–13 — The Savior took upon Himself our pains, sicknesses and infirmities.
Questions for the week
Which phrase in Isaiah 53 helps you feel the Savior's love most personally?
What griefs and sorrows could you let the Savior carry (53:4)?
How can you “awake” and “put on thy strength” (52:1)?
What “waters” is the Lord inviting you to come to, freely (55:1)?
When has trusting that God's thoughts are higher than yours brought you peace (55:8–9)?
Conference talks & Church resources
Talks the Church's lesson points to this week, plus other Church resources that teach from these chapters.
Scholarly papers
Faithful scholarship from BYU and related publishers, tagged with the chapters each one discusses.
Podcasts & video
Come, Follow Me shows and episodes covering this week's reading.