Anticipation: The Servant Songs of Isaiah - An Advent Series

Series Overview: The entire Old Testament anticipated Jesus's coming. Jesus himself confirmed this claim in numerous ways, including in Luke 24:27, on the road to Emmaus, where He showed two of his followers how all Scripture was about Him. While there were likely many passages Jesus presented, the passages from the prophet Isaiah, known as the “Servant Songs,” almost certainly would have been on His mind. Through these songs, we witness the anticipation of the coming Messiah and the type of servant that Messiah would be. 

 

In this four-week Advent series, we will look at these four songs to be encouraged by the fulfilled anticipation of the Messiah’s coming as we also anticipate His coming again. 

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12/1: The Servant of Compassion & Justice - Isaiah 42:1–9: The Messiah, as a mighty ruler, “will bring justice to the nations.” Yet, though a mighty ruler, He does not come lording his power over us, for he is also a compassionate Messiah of whom Isaiah says, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” In Jesus, we have a servant of compassionate justice.  

 

12/8: The Servant of Light & Salvation - Isaiah 49:1–13: Similarly to Psalm 110:1, the LORD speaks of the Messiah who is LORD. As such, though he is despised and rejected, he is nonetheless faithful to His covenant promises of light and salvation to all peoples and to the ends of the earth. In Jesus, we have a servant of light and salvation.

 

12/15: The Servant of Obedience & Mission - Isaiah 50:4–11: The Messiah is One in whom there is no fault. His obedience not only ensures his perfect righteousness but also his steadfast mission to seek and save, for as he says, “I set my face like flint…”––like an arrow with a focus target. In Jesus, we have a servant obedience and mission. 

12/29: The Servant of Humility & Sacrifice - Isaiah 52:13—53:12: The Messiah would come to live a life of perfection, yet take upon himself the consequences of our sin. In humility, he sacrificed himself. The baby in a manger is a servant on a cross but is also a victorious King. In Jesus, we have a servant of humility and sacrifice.