Isaiah 42 - God's Servant Messiah

LINK: Isaiah 42

BACKGROUND 

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

Isaiah 42:1-7 is the first of four "Servant Songs" in Isaiah (49:1-6; 50:1-11, 52:13-53:12). This section is quoted in Matthew 12:14-21 in referring to the Servant Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of this song. This is the beginning of many times where the Messiah is called the Servant in Isaiah (42:1-17; 49:3, 5-7; 50:10: 52:13; 53:11). 

Israel is also called the servant in the book of Isaiah (41:8; 42:19; 43:10; 44:1, 21; 45:4; 48:20), but Israel failed: 

The nation was given a mission to serve God, to be custodian of his word, and to be a light to the Gentile nations. Because of sin and rebellion, they failed. God sent his Son, Christ, as Messiah to fulfill his mission on earth. (The Life Application Bible, p.1239)

Jesus came to accomplish God's plan of salvation. He is the light to the whole world, and that includes the Gentiles (John 8:12; Is.42:6; Acts 13:47-48; Luke 1:79). Israel will be delivered from Babylon and sinners will be delivered from condemnation (42:7; 29:18; 32:3; 35:5; 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19). This deliverance will be accomplished through His death and resurrection. Because of this, there will be a kingdom where He will reign in righteousness for all peoples. 

The rest of this chapter is a song of praise to God. The "servant" in 42:18-25 is Israel who is blind to their sin and cannot hear God's voice. Yet He will lead those who turn away from their idols. The chapter ends with God lamenting their blindness and deafness and the prophecy of His punishment for their disobedience. His anger would eventually destroy Jerusalem and they would be taken into captivity and exile. They needed God's Servant Messiah to open their eyes!

REFLECTION 

I just got a telephone message from a dear friend with whom I have shared deeply the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation. At that time, I thought she had totally embraced Jesus as the one who died for her sins.

It was a wonderful moment, but at Christmastime, she said, "Why do we worry about heaven or hell or Jesus. Isn't it enough to just love God and each other and just walk every day with God?" I responded with a review of all we had learned from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus means a great deal, and He is the only way to God.

She still has partial blindness. But she is on her journey and has a sincere heart. 

APPLICATION 

Here is a handout that contains four different Discovery Bible Studies for people at all stages from a not yet a follower of Jesus to leaders:

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY WITH LISTS

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY APP

PRAYER

Lord, I pray You would open my friend's blind eyes, and the eyes of all of our friends who are still in the darkness. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.