Suffering Servant

TRE WIGGINS

Scripture Readings: 

Isaiah 53:1-11

Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment; and who considered his fate? For he was cut off from the land of the living; he was struck because of my people’s rebellion. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully. 10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely. When you make him a guilt offering, he will see his seed, he will prolong his days, and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished. 11 After his anguish, he will see light and be satisfied. By his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities.

Matthew 12:18

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.

Commentary: 

Not Only A Servant

In addition to the Isaiah passage listed above, Jesus is prophesied as a servant in Isaiah 49:6, as well. Isaiah writes that this Servant of God will not only come for the Israelites, but “as a light for the nations, that my salvation shall reach to the end of the earth.” This Servant of God has come to make a way for all, not only those with a specific bloodline or heritage. Jesus Christ came as a servant, willing to carry out the plan of God despite the cost.

And this cost made Him more than just a servant; Jesus, the Suffering Servant, went far beyond anything the people who would receive Him ever deserved. He was “crushed for our iniquities.” The perfect God-man, killed for our sin. But He did so with joy, scorning the cross, as He knew what His death would accomplish. This endured suffering would prove to be a cosmic victory, opening the door for redemption of all things. This is, ultimately, God’s design. For His glory, that all the nations would look upon the Suffering Servant and be glad. Their sins paid for, to the praise and glory of the Father. 

Prayer & Reflection: 

Father, we thank you that by your divine plan, we have been given access to you through the suffering of Jesus on our behalf. This plan is to save people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, and so we ask that your Word would move forth in power; that you would raise up laborers to reach the unreached to the furthest nation with the gospel, to the praise of Your glory.