Jesus our pattern of obedience

Introduction

The chapter presents a contrast.

V.1-3 God’s people suffered because of their own sins and yet when they suffered none of them called on the LORD or trusted him to save them.

v.2 Why when I came, was there no man?

In v.4-11 we find the LORD’s Servant is described. He was faithful and obedient and yet he suffered in submission to the Father. When he suffered he depended on the Lord for deliverance and vindication.

In V.4-9 we have the Servant of the LORD describing his own trust and obedience in the Father.

In V.10-11 the Servant calls others to do the same, to trust and obey

Jesus is our advocate and he is our older brother with the Father. He is our representative and our example.

He declares what he has done and suffered on the behalf of his people. He also calls his people to follow his example.

Luke 18:31-32 Jesus applies v.6 of this passage to himself.

I. Jesus was taught by the Father v.4

Although Jesus is God the Son, the Second person of the Trinity. He did take upon himself a real human nature. He became a real man and as a man he had to learn like we do.

We read in Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

a) He was taught how to speak v.4a

He became a true man and as a true man he needed to be taught by God.

He spoke a word in season to the weary

Matt 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I am the light of the world all that follow me shall not walk in darkness.

If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink.

b) He was taught how to listen v.4b

i) He awakens me morning by morning

This was a continuous learning. To hear the Word of God.

ii) To hear as the learned- to listen as a disciple

Doctrine- Jesus was eminently qualified to teach divine truth. He is prophet, priest and King. He was equipped by the Father to fulfil his prophetic ministry.

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Are you weary? Jesus speaks a word in season to those who are weary. Lean on him, bring your troubles to him in prayer. Seek his speaking voice in the scriptures.

II. Jesus obeyed the Father v.5-6

a) He obeyed the Father v.5

He was not rebellious

Gethsemane - Not my will but your will be done.

b) In his obedience led to suffering v.6

i) He gave his back to the smiters.

Mt 27:26 “Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.”

Scourge- to whip or flog.

ii) Beard plucked from cheeks-

Not only extremely painful but in their culture one of the greatest insults.

It was degrading.

iii) Face spat on-

Matt 26:67 “Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands,”

The amazing point to note is he could have avoided all of this had he wanted to.

A wilful obedience- I gave, I did not hide my face.

The Creator allowed himself to be treated so wickedly by his creatures.

The humiliation of Christ- not only did he take on flesh. But in his flesh he was abused by those he had made.

Why was this necessary? He had to endure the cross and despise its shame in order to redeem us. These things he suffered in love for you.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude. In my place condemned he stood...

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Jesus did this for you. It wasn’t for his own sin that he suffered and died but for ours.

III. Jesus trusted the Father v.7-9

a) He obeyed because he trusted the Father v.7

The Lord will help me, therefore I set my face

Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem- he went willingly to the cross in obedience to and trust in the Father

b) He did not fear his enemies because he trusted v.8-9

He was justified by his resurrection from the dead.

The Apostles understood this- Acts- whom you killed God has raised from the dead.

v.9b His enemies would soon disappear he would outlast them all.

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In Christ we can say the same. who is he who will condemn me? Romans 8:31-34 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

Why can we say such things? Its because Jesus was perfect in righteousness and no one could accuse him of sin. But he still willingly suffered as a lawbreaker in our place.

IV. Jesus calls us to trust and obey v.10-11

v.10 the believer, v.11 the unbeliever

a) Jesus calls us to rely on the LORD v.10

Jesus has described his own suffering and declared his own trust in the Father. Now he calls his people to do the same.

i)Those who Fear the LORD and obey his Servant

Repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ

John 5:23 “that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”

ii) Those who walk in darkness

Those who walk in darkness and have not light.

Those who are suffering and can’t see relief. They don’t know where to turn.

ii) Trust in the LORD and rely upon God.

Christ is calling people to do as he has done.

Trust in the name of the LORD- Trust his unchanging character, his goodness, his mercy, his wisdom

Rely on their God- Depend on his for deliverance.

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Rely on the LORD.

b) Jesus will judge the self reliant v.11

i) A picture of self sufficiency

Those who try to walk by their own light. Self dependent.

I don’t need God. Proud. Like those at the tower of Babel.

ii) The result is punishment

Jesus will judge them.

We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ.

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Please take seriously what is said here.

Conclusion

Jesus is our representative and our example. He is our advocate and our older brother.

He learnt from the Father, He obeyed the Father, he trusted the Father.

He did this in our place and for us in order to save us from our sins. Now he calls us to copy him. To do the same. Trust in the LORD when you suffer. Do not rely on yourself but rely on him.

Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.