God's true Israel

Introduction

The second of the so called ‘Servant songs’. V.1-13. Two sections V.1-6 The Servant speaks about himself. V.7-13 the LORD speaks to the Servant

Context- The LORD is speaking to exiles in Babylon and is promising them he will forgive their sins and bring them back to their own land. To increase their confidence and trust in him he now speaks of the Messiah and of the greater things he will accomplish through him.

The Servant proclaims who he is so the nations will put their trust in him.

Listen to Jesus

Take heed.

How do we know it is Jesus?

In v.3 It says Israel- but it is clear the Israel in v.3 is different from the Israel in V.5. Jesus is the true Israel. Also we know because the things it says can only be applied to Christ. Finally this v.6 is quoted in Acts 13:47 with reference to the preaching of the gospel so we know it is referring to Christ. 2 Cor 6:2. Also quotes this passage and refers it to the salvation that is in Jesus.

I. Listen to Jesus teaching v.1-4

His office of Prophet

a) His audience v.1a

Listen to me Coastlands/ peoples from afar- Addressing Gentile nations

b) His call v.1

From the womb- He came from the Father.

Made mention of my name- Jesus - Saviour Matt 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

c) His work v.2-3

Mouth like a sharp sword- Rev 1.

His prophetic ministry. He spoke the word of God. His word brought conviction.

Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

John 7:46 No man ever spoke like this man.

A polished shaft- pierces deeply, another reference to his prophetic ministry

V.3a True Israel- He did what Israel failed to do. Bring the nations to trust in the LORD

v.3b He glorified the Father

d) His confidence v.4

i) his discouragement, despondency v.4a-

The Jew’s didn’t listen to him. Whenever he started to really reveal his identity and work, they tried to stone him.

He was largely rejected by the people at his death. 120 were gathered in the upper room, no more.

ii)His trust v.4b-

His confidence was in the sovereign plan of the Father, whose purposes cannot be stopped.

Application-

Do we listen to his doctrine? Do we obey his teachings? Do we recognise here is one who brings divine truth?

Do we obey the Father’s instruction? Matt 17:5 “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!””

II. Look to Jesus for salvation v.5-6

His office of priest

a) To bring God’s Israel back to him v.5

Many Jews did turn back to God when he came. But there is a day coming when there will be a greater turning.

Romans 11:25-26 “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved...

Matt 23:39 “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ””

b) Be God’s salvation for the world v.6

It is too small a thing...

The Father gave the Son as a light to the gentiles- Covenant of redemption.

That He should be God’s salvation- How did he does this? Salvation from sin and hell.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Application-

Are you looking to Jesus for salvation?

Christian what boldness we can have in Christ! He is our salvation.

Are we taking his gospel to the world?

III. Honour Jesus as King v.7

His office of King.

In this second section (v.7-13) the LORD addresses the Servant. The Father speaks to the Son.

a) Despised once v.7a

He was despised by the religious leaders. He was despised by Pilates soldiers. He was despised by Herod. He was despised by the dying thieves. He was despised by the angry mob.

Isa 53:3 “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

Illustrate- OA talk worlds most hated men.

b) Now exalted v.7b

Phil 2:10-11 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Psalm 2

Application-

Jesus is still despised. But the reality is he is exalted and one day every one will see it. Many will realise how silly they have been.

Do you honour him?

Christian what comfort we have here. It hurts doesn’t it when people despise Jesus. He is the one we love the most. But how good it is to be reminded one day he will be acknowledged as Lord and King by all.

Conclusion

Here the Lord Jesus speaks to us through the prophet Isaiah and he calls us to pay attention to him. To give him our obedience and put our trust in him.

Jesus is Prophet, priest and King.

Listen to Jesus’ teaching

Look to Jesus for salvation

Honour Jesus as King

Christians what confidence we can have. This is our Saviour. This is our advocate with the Father. Our redeemer and friend.

Unbeliever turn to him in repentance, listen to his teaching, look to him for salvation and honour him as King.