The Servant’s Gethsemane | The Servant Songs | Isaiah 50:4-11 | Pastor J. M. Lee

Good morning, and welcome to Mission Church! If we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, my name is John Lee, and I have the privilege of serving as the Lead Pastor here. At Mission, our heartbeat is to partner with God to see His Kingdom come—in every space and every part of our lives—as it is in Heaven.

As we get started this morning, go ahead and grab your Bible and turn with me to Isaiah 50. Today is the last Sunday of Advent, a season where we’ve been reflecting on Christ’s first coming while also learning to live with anticipation for His second.

The Servant Songs of Isaiah beautifully capture this tension, the hope, and the anticipation of Advent. These powerful songs point us to Jesus: the One who fulfilled these promises in His first coming, and the One who equips us to hold on in faith as we wait for His return — the great future day when He will finish His work of justice and restoration in this broken world.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve walked through the first two Servant Songs. In Isaiah 42, we were introduced to the Servant—God’s chosen one—who brings justice with gentleness and compassion. Then in Isaiah 49, we saw the Servant’s mission to restore Israel and extend salvation to the ends of the earth.

Today, we’re turning to Isaiah 50:4-11, the third Servant Song — and we are going to see the Servant’s amazing obedience, His willingness to endure suffering, and His unshakable trust in God—even in the face of rejection and hardship. Our text today is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is and what He has done, and it’s going to point us forward with hope as we eagerly wait for His return.

If you are able to, please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Isaiah 50:4–11 (CSB)

4 The Lord God has given me

the tongue of those who are instructed

to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens me each morning;

he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.

5 The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious;

I did not turn back.

6 I gave my back to those who beat me,

and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard.

I did not hide my face from scorn and spitting.

7 The Lord God will help me;

therefore I have not been humiliated;

therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know I will not be put to shame.

8 The one who vindicates me is near;

who will contend with me?

Let us confront each other.

Who has a case against me?

Let him come near me!

9 In truth, the Lord God will help me;

who will condemn me?

Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;

a moth will devour them.

10 Who among you fears the Lord

and listens to his servant?

Who among you walks in darkness,

and has no light?

Let him trust in the name of the Lord;

let him lean on his God.

11 Look, all you who kindle a fire,

who encircle yourselves with torches;

walk in the light of your fire

and of the torches you have lit!

This is what you’ll get from my hand:

you will lie down in a place of torment.

This is the Word of the Lord

Pray

Life — well — life can be exhausting. And — if we’re honest — the reality of our weariness — often feels magnified during the Christmas season. The truth is — we all carry the weight of our responsibilities, we face disappointments, we balance family expectations, and endure loss and hardships that — plain and simple — they leave us feeling worn out.

Whether it’s the pressures of work, the pain of broken relationships, or just the relentlessness of following Jesus in a broken world, the truth is — the Christian life has a way of making us weary. And maybe you’re feeling weary this morning—the exhaustion of it all has worn you down. If so, you’re not alone. Advent meets us right in the middle of our weariness.

John Bunyan, in his book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, captured this struggle when he wrote:

“This hill, though high, I covet to ascend; the difficulty will not me offend, for I perceive the way to life lies here.” - John Bunyan. Pilgrims Progress. 1678

Bunyan reminds us that, though the road is hard and exhausting, the path of faith leads us to life. And the Servant in Isaiah 50 shows us that — not only are we not walking this road alone— but He shows us what will sustain us in our weariness.

In fact —this third Servant Song is unique because it’s written as a soliloquy — it’s written as an interior monologue — and these words beautifully capture a moment where the Servant speaks directly, revealing His heart and revealing His mission. It’s as if we’re invited to hear His inner thoughts as He reflects on His obedience to God, His suffering for the sake of His mission, and His unshakable trust in God’s faithfulness.

This inner dialogue unfolds in four movements, and it’s through these movements that we will see how the Servant sustains the weary and gives us hope. In each of these movements, we will be pointed to Jesus — who not only endured suffering for our sake but also equips us to persevere as we — in faith — walk through the weariness of this world.

Thomas Watson once said,

“A godly man may be weary in the Lord’s work, but he is never weary of it.” - Thomas Watson. The Godly Man's Picture. 1666.

So, if you’re feeling weary this morning, take heart. The Servant has walked this road before us. He endured suffering with perfect obedience, trusting fully in God’s faithfulness. And He offers the same sustaining grace and hope to you and me today. Let’s begin with the first movement:

1. The Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 50:4 (CSB)

4 The Lord God….

Underline or make note of the name, “The Lord God.” The Servant — Jesus Christ—is speaking here in the first person — and He begins by pointing us to the source of His ministry. Right away, Jesus directs our attention to The Lord God — or — as it can be translated more accurately — "The Sovereign Lord."

And this title is significant— for — it emphasizes the closest possible relationship between the Servant and the God Most High. And it speaks — not only to His authority—but to a deep … intimate connection. In other words — by using this name — the Servant is showing us that His mission comes directly from God Himself. And here’s the key — it is because of who God is — that the Servant’s mission is guaranteed to be a success.

We know this to be true based upon the very name of God — You see — The Lord God is translated for the Hebrew name Adonai Yahweh — which combines two of God’s most import titles. Adonai which means "Lord" or "Master," and emphasizes God’s authority. It speaks to His sovereignty, and His power to rule over all things.

Yahweh — on the other hand — is God’s covenant name—it’s the personal name that God revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14.

Exodus 3:14 (CSB)

14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”

And — this name speaks to God’s self-existence — It points us to God’s eternal nature — and to the truth that God is faithful — You see God always keeps His promises.

And so — the Servant begins by pointing us to the source, the power, and the security of His mission — which is a God who is both supremely powerful and intimately faithful to His people.

Now, look back at verse 4 and notice how The Lord God has equipped the Servant.

Isaiah 50:4 (CSB)

4 The Lord God has given me

the tongue of those who are instructed

to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens me each morning;

he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.

Remember, Jesus is fully God and fully man. Though He is fully God, He veiled His divinity in human flesh and came to live among us. But why did He do this?

Well — He lived among us to open prison doors and set the captives free—so that those bound in the chains of sin, earning the wages of eternal damnation, might be set free and given eternal life. He walked among us to fulfill what was promised about Him—that He would save His people from their sins.

But — before Jesus began His public ministry — He first prepared for His work as a man. And what humility this shows! Before carrying out His mission as the Messiah—our Savior—before speaking life-giving words to the weary, He first submitted Himself to His Father as a disciple, devoting Himself to the Word of God.

Imagine this — the eternal Son of God humbled Himself to learn as a man. For thirty years — He lived a simple life — He lived a human life growing in wisdom. Now — we don’t know everything He learned in Joseph’s carpenter shop, but Luke tells us that

Luke 2:52 (CSB)

52 … Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

This is amazing ! You see — even as Jesus began His public ministry — He continued listening and learning. In fact — Jesus Himself in John 15:15 — speaking to His disciples — says,

John 15:15 (CSB)

15….I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.

In other words — Jesus never stopped communing with His Father. Look again back to Isaiah 50:4: The Servant says,

Isaiah 50:4 (CSB)

4 … He awakens me each morning; he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.

The Gospel accounts show us that Jesus often rose early in the morning to spend time with His Father. And — it was in those quiet hours that He drew strength and refreshment for the day ahead. It was in those moments of intimate fellowship that Jesus received the wisdom and the grace to serve, to teach, to minister, to bring hope, to offer encouragement, and provide healing.

What an incredible act of humility! The One who clothes the heavens with darkness and commands the stars above humbled Himself to learn in His Father’s school. As Hebrews 5:8 says,

Hebrews 5:8 (CSB)

8 Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

Though He is “God over all, blessed forever” (Romans 9:5), Jesus willingly grew in wisdom and stature, — He became a student so that He could become a wise teacher and speak words of comfort to weary souls.

And — this shows us that Jesus is not only loving but also perfectly competent. The Lord Jesus was well-schooled in the ways of God. He was wise enough to — with a single word — help the weak and weary— to care for those burdened by sin and worn down by life. Friends — Jesus truly is the Wonderful Counselor!

And think about how perfectly Jesus fulfills His role as our Wonderful Counselor. How often have His words brought you comfort when you’ve felt exhausted? Hope when you’ve felt discouraged or weighed down by life?

Dearly Beloved — it is God’s Word that provides exactly what we need in times of sorrow and despair. In moments of grief, the words of a friend may bring comfort, but it is only the Word of God that can truly lift your spirits and wipe away your tears. When you are crushed under the burden of your sin, it is only the voice of Jesus that assures you of forgiveness and freedom.

Friend, every word of Jesus is filled with purpose. His promises, encouragements, and exhortations meet us precisely where we are. His Words are the healing balm for our pain — the confidence for our doubts, and the provision for our every need. His words are the still waters when the storms of life crash against our soul and the green pastures after a journey through rocky soil.

God’s Word speaks to the weary, no matter what season of life they are in. Jesus Himself said to His disciples—and says to us Matthew 11:28

Matthew 11:28 (CSB)

28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

So, friend, if you find yourself with a broken heart, weary and beaten down, or in need of guidance, look to Christ— for He is the Wonderful Counselor.

But not only is He the Wonderful Counselor—Jesus is also the Suffering Servant.

2. The Suffering Servant

Jesus — the humble Suffering Servant of God — fully and perfectly submitted to the will of the Father in everything. Look at verse 5

Isaiah 50:5 (CSB)

5 The Lord God has opened my ear …

Take note of this phrase, “The Lord God has opened my ear,” as it highlights the remarkable reality that God the Father prepared Jesus to be the Messiah. Which means — that even though Jesus was fully God, He was also fully human, and in His humanity, He received the Holy Spirit—just as we do.

This truth is profound. And — It reveals to us that Jesus — while eternally divine, — He humbled Himself to a position where it was necessary for Him to be empowered by God the Holy Spirit. The eternal Son of God condescended so far for our sake that He placed Himself in this position of dependence. “The Lord God has opened my ear.”

Now — it’s important to consider the fact that Jesus had ears unlike any other. He listened perfectly to the faintest whisper of His Father’s voice. And you know what!?! Jesus never needed to be reminded or persuaded, to obey God’s Word.

Now — if we’re honest — I think we could all agree that we are in stark contrast to Jesus. The truth is — our ears are often dull, our hearts reluctant, and our obedience lacking. Think about it — How often do you hear God’s commands but fail to act on them?!?! Not sure? Let’s just try a couple — are you sharing your faith? Who are you discipling?

The reality is — so many of us hear and know what God commands are — but we are failing to act on them — but— this was never the case for Jesus. Jesus always delighted in His Fathers will and even said in John 8:29.

John 8:29 (CSB)

29 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”

Not only did Jesus hear the Father’s voice but he delighted in His Fathers commands and He obeyed them completely. Look back at verse 5.

Jesus says,

Isaiah 50:5 (CSB)

5 … and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back.

You see — from the moment He declared as a child in Luke 2:49.

Luke 2:49 (CSB)

49 … “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”

To His final cry on the cross….

John 19:30 (CSB)

30 “It is finished.”

Jesus lived in perfect obedience.

I am reminded of Philippians 2:8 in which the apostle Paul writes:

Philippians 2:8 (CSB)

8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.

Brothers and Sisters — Jesus was perfectly and completely obedient to the will of the Father. Jesus was in every way utterly flawless.

Not only that — but — through every trial — Jesus remained steadfast — Look back at verse 5 and see that the Servant proclaims…

Isaiah 50:5 (CSB)

5 … I did not turn back.

In other words — once Jesus began His journey towards Jerusalem — knowing full well that He was walking towards His death — He never once wavered. Even in the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus fell on His face and prayed — Matthew 26:39.

Matthew 26:39 (CSB)

39 … “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Jesus knew what laid before Him — He was aware of the unimaginable pain, the unparalleled fear, and ultimate suffering that He was about to experience — Yet — He never turned back. No! Jesus willingly went to the cross! Why? — He went to the cross because of His love for you — it was His love for you and His desire to ensure your redemption that compelled Him to press on!

Nowhere is this truth more evident than in His willingness to suffer. Look at verse 6

Isaiah 50:6 (CSB)

6 I gave my back to those who beat me,

and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard.

I did not hide my face from scorn and spitting.

Jesus — the second person of the Trinity — Jesus the eternal Son of God through whom all things were created — Jesus — the same savior who clothed the heavens with stars and commanded the seas — He willingly allowed Himself to endure such shame, embarrassment, and pain.

How heart wrenching is the truth that the Creator of the universe allowed Himself to be mocked, beaten, and spat upon. And that He chose this path voluntarily. Consider what Jesus said in John 10:

John 10:15 (CSB)

15 …I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:18 (CSB)

18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.

Jesus willingly suffered for you. And His suffering wasn’t only physical—it was also deeply humiliating. His enemies, in an act of cruel contempt, tore out His beard and spat in His face. In His culture, spitting in someone’s face was one of the greatest insults imaginable. Yet, Jesus endured it. He did not turn away or hide His face. No, He took every insult and every act of degradation with a steadfast heart, driven by His love for you.

Even in His final moments, Jesus refused to escape the fullness of His suffering. When the Roman soldiers offered Him a pain-numbing drink of wine mixed with myrrh, He refused it. Instead, He chose to endure the full weight of pain and shame on your behalf.

He bore every blow, every insult, and every wound out of His astonishing love for you and me. Nothing would deter Him from completing the work of salvation.

Brothers and sisters, this is your Savior—the One who loves you with an unthinkable and unwavering love!

Now — as we reflect on the astonishing obedience, suffering, and love of the Jesus — the question is begging to be asked: What sustained Jesus through it all? What gave Him the strength to endure such unimaginable pain, shame, and rejection?

3. The Servant’s Unshakable Trust

Isaiah 50:7 (CSB)

7 The Lord God will help me;

therefore I have not been humiliated;

therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know I will not be put to shame.

Jesus knew that His enemies would spit in His face, mock Him, and subject Him to unimaginable suffering—yet He set His face like flint against the cruelest of opposition. Why? Because Jesus, no matter what it would cost Him, was resolute in accomplishing His mission.

Now, think about flint. Flint is a hard, unyielding stone, and this imagery underscores the truth that Jesus was unwavering in His resolve. I am reminded of what Luke says in Luke 9:51.

Luke 9:51 (CSB)

51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem.

In other words, Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him there. He didn’t allow His determination to be weakened by His very real, human fear of suffering.

But understand this: it wasn’t sheer willpower or grittiness that fueled His courage. His courage was grounded in His unshakable trust in the Father. Jesus had full confidence that, even in His humiliation and shame, that the Father would not fail Him. He knew—without a shadow of a doubt—that His Father would help Him.

Jesus — His confidence was secure for He knew —— look at verse 8 — He Knew that …

Isaiah 50:8–9 (CSB)

8 The one who vindicates me is near;

who will contend with me?

Let us confront each other.

Who has a case against me?

Let him come near me!

9 In truth, the Lord God will help me;

who will condemn me?

Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;

a moth will devour them.

Here, Jesus takes us into the courtroom. Picture the scene: He stands before His accusers as they spew their false and hateful accusations against Him. And yet, His resolve is unshaken. Why? Because He knows that the One who will vindicate Him is near. Jesus completely trusted in His Father’s justice and faithfulness.

And we see Christ’s vindication—and the Father’s justice and faithfulness—fully realized in the resurrection of Jesus.

Understand this: the resurrection was not just a triumph over death—it was the ultimate declaration of Jesus’ righteousness. By raising Jesus from the dead, the Father proclaimed to the world that His Son’s obedience, suffering, and sacrifice were fully accepted.

Consider Peter’s proclamation in Acts 2 which says,

Acts 2:24 (CSB)

24 God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.

In the empty tomb, every accusation against Jesus was silenced. Every insult, every false charge, and every act of contempt was powerless against the Servant of the Lord. The resurrection was God’s legal declaration that Jesus had triumphed over sin, death, and Satan.

And you know what is absolutely amazing!!?? This truth doesn’t just stop with Jesus—but — if you are in Christ then this truth applies to you too!!!

Romans 8:33–34 (CSB)

33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

Do you see the connection? The vindication that Jesus speaks of in Isaiah is not only about His own obedience and victory—it’s about the victory He secured for us. Because Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father and completed His mission, no one—not Satan, not the world, not even our own sin—can bring a charge against God’s elect.

Brothers and sisters rest in the good news of the gospel from Romans 8:1

Romans 8:1 (CSB)

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,

This is your reality! How!!?!? Well — your vindication has been bought by the blood of Jesus — Jesus obeyed on your behalf, He stood firm in the face of opposition for you, and He secured your justification.

Imagine the courtroom scene again—this time — it’s you standing before the Judge. Satan, the “accuser” stands ready to bring a case against you. But before a single accusation can leave his lips, Jesus, the Suffering Servant and now the Risen Savior, steps forward as your advocate. He silences the accuser with the proof of His finished work — and says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

No one—not Satan — not the world— nobody can overturn the verdict. Jesus’ death and resurrection ensure that you are declared righteous before God. Every charge has been dismissed, and every condemnation has been canceled.

So, when Jesus declares that , “The one who vindicates me is near”, He points us to the empty tomb and to the unshakable hope that we have in Him. His resurrection is the proof of His victory and the foundation of our confidence.

Brothers and sisters, this is the gospel: Jesus, the Suffering Servant, endured rejection, shame, and death, but He trusted His Father completely. His unshakable trust was vindicated in the resurrection, and now we, as His people, share in that vindication. No accusation can stand against us because of the work of Christ.

This is your Savior—the One who stood in your place, faced the accusations on your behalf, and emerged victorious. He is the One who ensures your eternal security. Rest in Him, for your justification is complete, and no one can bring a charge against God’s elect!

This leads us now to our final point and conclusion

4. A Call to Trust—or to Tremble

Our final two verses bring us to a crossroads. They ask us a vital question: Will you fear the Lord, listen to Him, and humbly walk by the light of Christ? Or — will you reject Jesus, light your own path, and live by your own wisdom?

Let’s consider these two responses:

First, the Call to Trust.

Look at verse 10

Isaiah 50:10 (CSB)

10 Who among you fears the Lord and listens to his servant? Who among you walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord; let him lean on his God.

Isaiah is calling out to those who fear the Lord, who honor Him and desire to follow His servant. But why?

Because even those who fear the Lord will face seasons of darkness. Let’s be honest: as we walk the narrow road and swim against the currents of sin and death, there will be times when we feel lost—when there’s no light, no guidance, and no clarity.

Perhaps that’s where you find yourself today. Maybe you’re walking through uncertainty, confusion, or even suffering. What does God call you to do in those moments? He says, “Let him trust in the name of the Lord; let him lean on his God.”

This is the response of faith: to trust in the Lord, even in the darkness, even when you don’t understand. And here’s the comfort—your Savior has already walked this road before you. In His darkest hour, Jesus faced humiliation, pain, and death. And what did He do? He trusted completely in the Father’s justice and faithfulness.

So — if you find yourself in darkness today — this is God’s invitation to you: trust in Him. Lean on His promises. Rest in the finished work of Jesus—the one who was vindicated in His resurrection and who now intercedes for you at the Father’s right hand.

Now look at verse 11 and see A Warning to Tremble

Isaiah 50:11 (CSB)

11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with torches; walk in the light of your fire and of the torches you have lit!…

Friends — this is a picture of self reliance. It’s a picture of following and trusting in your own heart. This is a picture of anyone who rejects the wisdom of God and chooses to walk by their own wisdom, their own efforts, and their own plans….and God says — if this is you — well — look back at verse 11

Isaiah 50:11 (CSB)

11…This is what you’ll get from my hand: you will lie down in a place of torment.

Friend, hear me clearly: if you reject Jesus, you will face God’s judgment. If you choose to rely on yourself, your own light, your own way, it will end in eternal separation from God—in a place of eternal torment.

These two responses— to trust or to tremble—are the only two options before you. You can either trust in Jesus, the Servant of the Lord, for your salvation and rest in His finished work, or you can reject Him, relying on yourself, which leads to judgment.

So, which will it be? Will you trust in Jesus, the Light of the world, who offers you peace, forgiveness, and eternal life? Or will you light your own fire, walk by its dim glow, and ultimately lie down in torment?

Friend, your eternity hangs in the balance. Repent of your sin and trust in Jesus today.

Let’s pray