The Suffering Servant

Introduction:

Suffering is a normal part of life as a Christian in this world. Jesus modeled the suffering that would come by obeying God. Many people will rise up against those who seek to follow God, and some will even think that they are doing God’s will when they persecute others.

Think about some of those throughout the halls of history who have suffered the most.

All of the Disciples suffered a martyrs death, with the possible exception of the Apostle John.

The early Christians were tortured, lit on fire, sent to the arena to devoured.

William Tyndale was burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Church because He sought to translate the Bible into the common language of the people.

Many people have suffered for the cause of Christ, but it has never slowed to spread of the kingdom of God. It has only served to spread the gospel, because the gates of Hell will not be able to prevail against God’s Church.

This morning, we are going to take a look at the ultimate example of the Suffering Servant. Jesus came to fulfil God’s mission for His life and not what people might have thought that He should be.

Let’s take a look at Matthew 12:15-21

Matthew 12:15–21 ESV

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Pray.

1. Jesus’ Compassion (vv. 15-16)

Matthew 12:15–16 ESV

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known.

2. Jesus’ Message (vv.17-18)

Matthew 12:17–18 ESV

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

3. Jesus’ Conduct (vv.19-20)

Matthew 12:19–20 ESV

19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;

Reeds were used for several things, but once they became dry and brittle, they were not good for anything.

At the same time, a smoldering wick is one that has been used up and burned out. It either needs to be trimmed or replaced.

Both of these analogies describe the people that would be outcast in this world, yet these are the ones that Christ uses. If we realize that we are empty vessels that are to be consecrated to God, God will use us.

This requires two things.

Holy Living

Dedication to God for His Service

What does the conduct of your life look like?

4. Jesus’ Purpose (vv.20-21)

Matthew 12:20–21 ESV

20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Notice that Jesus will not always be the Suffering Servant. He came in humility in His first advent, but He will come in victory at the second.

Jesus came so that the whole world might be saved. He is not just the Jewish Messiah, he is our Messiah.

He is the hope of all the world. He is the one that the nations will come to in order to find healing and salvation.

Conclusion

Jesus is presented in this passage as the Suffering Servant from Isaiah’s prophecy. He withdrew for a time to keep from escalating things before the proper time for Him to give His life for our sins.

We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. We must be willing to lay down our lives, our agenda, our wants and wishes for the sake of His kingdom.

We must be willing to shine the light of the gospel so that the nations might hope in Him.

Will you come to Jesus?

Will you trust Jesus with your life?

Will you follow Jesus wherever He goes?

Will you lay down your life for Jesus, that He might raise you up on the last day?