JESUS’ MISSION MANUAL: ISAIAH 52:13-53:12 (1) INTRODUCING THE SERVANT Penge Baptist Church April 10 th 2011

Jesus and Scripture Did Jesus come to earth “fully programmed”? Or did God give him clues in his word, with insight from the Holy Spirit? Jesus’ words suggest a powerful influence of Scripture, especially the Book of Isaiah The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him….. and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17, 21) Especially the four mysterious “Servant Songs”

We shall focus on the “fourth servant song” Isaiah 52:13-53:12 in four parts up to Easter Introducing the servant (Isaiah 52:13-15) The servant’s life (Isaiah 53:1-3) The servant’s death (Isaiah 53:4-9) The servant’s resurrection (Isaiah 53:10-13)

The servant in Isaiah What is a servant? What did it mean to the original readers? Exile A disappointing return But the promise of a saviour – a “new Exodus” for Israel and all nations The earlier songs I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out,or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break,and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.(Isaiah 42:1-3)

to open eyes that are blind,to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7) Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1) “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD'S hand,and my reward is with my God.” (Isaiah 49:4) The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,to know the word that sustains the weary. (Isaiah 50:4) offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Isaiah 50:6)

The Servant in 52:13-15 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness— so will he sprinkle many nations,and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Who is exalted… “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” God introduces him as servant His wisdom His exaltation Being lifted up “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15

…whose appearance appals… “Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness” Consider the cross in Judaism… anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse (Deuteronomy 21:23) …and for “many” people today Disfigurement meaning unfit for sacrifice

…but who changes history “so will he sprinkle many nations,and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.” Sprinkling of forgiveness The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:13-14)

“Many nations” as at Pentecost and today People of power coming to understanding Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” (Romans 15:21)

A prophecy that rings through Jesus’ words “I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27) “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32) “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64)

And the rest of the New Testament The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. (Acts 3:13) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11)

Lessons for the disciples Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (John 9:35) “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15)

Lessons for us today “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5) A calling to be servants Exalted by God, despised by people Seeing beyond the surface of God’s word… …and calling all people to be sprinkled, see, understand

and God’s mission manual for us also Abundant life: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Eternal life: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)