Week of August 10 (Isaiah 42:1-9)
Isaiah 42:1-9
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God's Gentle Servant
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Isaiah 42:1-9 〰️ God's Gentle Servant 〰️
After more than a few weeks in the book of Judges, we'll have this week stand on its own. This week's passage, Isaiah 42:1-9, prophesies of the long-awaited Savior of Israel. At the time this was written, it wasn't known who the Messiah would be, but Israel still waited in anticipation.
Verses 1-7 comprise the first of four "Servant Songs" in Isaiah, proclaiming the Servant, Jesus's, coming (the others are 49:1-6; 50:1-11; and 52:13-53:12).[1] This portion of the passage is similar to the words we find in Matthew 12, words that Jesus would eventually fulfill:
"But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, how they might kill him.
Jesus was aware of this and withdrew. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them all. He warned them not to make him known, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not argue or shout,
and no one will hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break a bruised reed,
and he will not put out a smoldering wick,
until he has led justice to victory.
The nations will put their hope in his name." (Matthew 12:14-21)
This connection made by Matthew highlights Jesus' mission on earth and reflects what is prophesied in Isaiah 42. We talked about this when we first began our walkthrough of the book of Mark, but what the people of Israel expected and anticipated was a savior who would come and conquer their oppressors. This was especially true during the Roman occupation and rule of Israel. What's evident now is that prophecies like the one we find here in Isaiah 42 were not kept in mind as readily as others. Over and over in this passage, we find Isaiah relaying the words of God, describing the coming Servant as gentle, quiet, and reserved.
As most of us think of Jesus today, we might describe Him as gentle. So much of Jesus' ministry was reserved and peaceful, save one certain day in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). But while Jesus is known for His gentle spirit, this does not undermine His purpose. Jesus Christ came to pay the debt of our sins. Everything that would condemn us to an eternity of God's wrath and separation from His presence has been wiped clean because of Christ's sacrifice. He bore the punishment we deserved, and our debt is paid in full. How beautiful it is to know that our Lord came not to destroy or bring down wrath (although that time will one day come to those who reject Him), but to bring salvation and rest in Him for those who would choose to believe.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you from the passage?
Does anything in this passage remind you of another part of Scripture?
Do you have any questions?
Who does this passage describe?
Now read Matthew 12:14-21. In what ways does Jesus fulfill these prophecies of the Messiah?
What biblical examples do we see of God faithfully bringing justice (v3)? What does this tell us about His character?
What does it mean to you to know that Jesus' first coming was and is a covenant from God to His people: us (v6)?
What are the "new events" we read of in v9?
1. Warren W. Weirsebe, The Bible Exposition Commentary: The Prophets (Cook Communications, 2002: Colorado Springs, CO) 52.