Prediction #1- His identity would be a servant.

(13)  Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Isaiah 52:13

Explanation:

Isaiah 53 really starts in Isaiah 52:13 and is the last of 4 “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah.

You can find these 4 songs in :

• Isaiah 42:1-9

• Isaiah 49:1-13

• Isaiah 50:4-11

• Here in Isaiah 52:13- 53:12.

It is clear from these servant songs that the Messiah is in view, as we shall see here in Isaiah 53, and some of the other passages in the coming messages. With that in mind, let’s read the first verse in this section

Some of the confusion that the jews had about Jesus many still have to this day. They understood the Messiah to be a conquering king. From this passage though, we learn that the Messiah would be a servant.  He was a servant of God.

As we look at this verse in particular, the scripture starts out by saying that the servant shall “deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high”. Why would this servant song start this way?  Because he is about to predict his bloody torture, death, and sacrifice.

As you will see from the coming points, the Messiah would be a servant and come to serve. In these servant songs you see a contrast between being rejected, and being successful. You see a contrast between being a servant and being worshipped. You see a contrast between being humble and being exalted.

This is exactly what we saw in the life of Jesus. Here is what he told his apostles:

(8)  But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

(9)  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

(10)  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

(11)  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Matthew 23:8-11

This theme and instruction is also seen in Matthew 20.

(25)  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

(26)  But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

(27)  And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

(28)  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus made the statement that His whole reason for coming was to serve.  He backed it up not only with his ministry- doing things like washing the disciples’ feet, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the Word, and reaching people.  He ultimately served by giving his life a ransom for ministry.

Application:

Of course, it is worth stating that to be a Christ follower we must be servants as well. To be like him is to put others ahead of ourselves. Our orientation toward each other would be to serve each other. Even leaders ought to be servant leaders. 

Response:

Heavenly Father, please make me a servant. Help me to have the mind of Christ. He knew that He was God and yet still came to serve. Help me to serve those in my care well today. Amen.