Here Is My Servant

“HERE IS MY SERVANT” (Outline)

January 10, 2010 -

Epiphany 1 -

ISAIAH 42:1-7

INTRO: During the Epiphany season we are given an insight into the divine nature of God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus’ divinity is revealed by his miracles, healings, and words of truth. The names applied to Jesus also remind us of Jesus’ divinity. Scripture is filled with divine testimony that this son of Joseph and Mary is also God’s Son. We heard and saw divine testimony at the baptism of Jesus (cf. Gospel, below). Jesus took three of his disciples: Peter, James, and John, to a mountain. They saw a glimpse of God’s glory as Jesus was transfigured (changed) before their very eyes. Once again Jesus is revealed to be the very Son of God. "Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’" (MARK 9:7). Servant is the title Isaiah gives to Jesus. Today we examine our text to discover how this title is also a revelation concerning Jesus’ divinity. God declares:

“HERE IS MY SERVANT”.

I. He will bring justice to the nations.

II. He will be the light for all nations.

I. HE WILL BRING JUSTICE TO THE NATIONS.

A. Verse 1a. Servant is not usually considered a flattering term. In Christianity servant is high praise.

1. Verse 1b. This servant, God’s servant, is highly honored or esteemed by the Lord God.

2. God blesses this servant with every spiritual blessing because this is God’s own Son, Christ.

B. Verse 2. Christ came as a servant – humble, serving, without fanfare. Jesus spoke the truth always.

1. Jesus did not draw attention to himself. God’s power and God’s word attracted great crowds.

2. Verse 3a. Jesus did not break off those bruised nor snuff out any who had a wisp of faith.

C. Verse 3b, 4a. The servant, our savior Jesus did not turn back from going to Jerusalem to face death.

1. The disciples tried to stop Jesus. Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem – and death.

2. Jesus went to Jerusalem to bring God’s justice to the world. God’s justice was forgiveness.

3. Verse 4b. Islands = far away lands. Yes, far away lands, all nations would hope in the Lord.

D. God’s perfect servant came to earth to save imperfect creatures. At first glance that word servant is not a very complimentary term. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to find that word servant printed anywhere or even mentioned in our daily lives. But only by becoming a servant could the King of kings serve God’s creation and do his Father’s will. "Christ Jesus…made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (PHILIPPIANS 2:7). Notice that to become a servant Jesus had to take on flesh. Jesus became like us “in human likeness”. Our flesh makes us servants. Thankfully we are servants of God. Our servant, Jesus, our brother, makes us heirs of eternal life.

E. As servant, Jesus brought to this world the justice of God. Now this justice of God differs greatly from the justice of man. The justice of God reveals his infinite, divine mercy. "For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men" (LAMENTATIONS 3:31-33). Note that the love of the Lord is unfailing. Our Lord God Almighty shows compassion. Still, in this world there is heartache, grief, affliction, troubles, sorrows, and sin. This is not the fault of God at all. All evil in this world is the fault of man. Adam and Eve sinned. They brought everything wicked into perfection.

F. In spite of our wicked and sinful lives the Lord God Almighty shows his justice – forgiveness. We do not deserve God’s forgiveness. We cannot earn or buy the forgiveness of God. Yet, still, God forgives. This is the justice God provides sinners. "He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities"(PSALM 103:9,10). The servant, our Savior Jesus took upon himself all of our sins. Jesus took them to the cross and then to the grave. Our sins are forever forgotten by the life, death, and resurrection of the servant, our Savior.

“HERE IS MY SERVANT”.

This servant, our Savior Jesus Christ brings us God’s justice, forgiveness.

II. HE WILL BE THE LIGHT FOR ALL NATIONS.

A. Isaiah now reminds his hearers that these words are not his but they are the words of the Lord.

1. Verse 5. The Lord God is the One who created the world and all things.