Christ in the Old Testament

Isaiah 42:1

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

We wrapped up the first section of Isaiah a few days ago which traditionally covers chapters 1-39. The focus of that section of Isaiah is predominantly the judgment of God. The judgment of Judah facilitated by the Assyrians and Babylonians was at hand and Isaiah spent a lot of real estate warning his people about it. There was also a larger theme of judgment relating to our sin and our need for a Messiah.

We are now in the second second of Isaiah that covers chapters 40-66. This section focuses on the deliverance of God from judgement. God provides comfort, hope and the promise of a Messiah to deliver us from sin. This section is abundantly filled with Messianic prophecies. From chapter 42 to the end of Isaiah, there are about 90 specific prophecies about Jesus. It may be September before we get through them all. So let’s dig in!

Isaiah begins chapter 42 with a word from God announcing the Messiah. The King James Version correctly capitalizes Servant in verse 1 because this is a clear reference to Jesus. In his gospel, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1-4 in Matthew 12:18-21 saying that Jesus “was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (Matt 12:17). Jesus is clearly the Servant that Isaiah is referencing.

The Hebrew word for servant here is ebed referring to an indentured servant or an owned slave. This word is also used elsewhere in the Old Testament referring to a vassal king or a tributary nation. However it is used, it is exactly as you would think of the English word “servant” – under the direction or control of a higher power.

Jesus came to earth as the perfect servant. He referred to himself as a servant many times:

• “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28, Mark 9:45).
• “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

Jesus demonstrated perfect service daily by healing the sick and spending his time with the outcasts and lesser people of the places he visited. He then gave his life in place of ours as a sacrifice for our sins saying, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Jesus also called his followers to be servants:

• “Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matt 23:10-12).
• “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’” (Mark 9:35).
• “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

Since we are called to be a servant, God promises to uphold his servant. This applies to Jesus but it also applies to anyone who commits to serving God. It’s a contractual arrangement that God makes with us. The servant is required to give service and obedience to the master and likewise the master is required to take care of the servant.

But it’s even better because the concept of servant in this verse also carries with it the idea of the master depending on the servant. This verse could be translated, “Here is my servant, on whom I lean.” It is an indication of a special favor that comes with a high level of confidence. It is a picture of God the Father leaning on his Son, counting on him to fulfill His purpose. And in the same way, God is leaning on us to fulfill His purpose.

We have a mission and an obligation to Jesus. We are his servants. He is counting on us to fulfill his purpose until he returns. We are to be faithful with the tasks we are given and in return, God will uphold us. A reward is coming for those who are faithful. Just as Jesus told in a parable, when our time is finished, we long to hear the Father say, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matt 25:21).

Today’s Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to be your servant. Help me to see the task in front of me and be willing to accomplish it like you are depending on it.