The Passion Narratives No 3 – The Suffering Servant
The fourth Servant Song of Isaiah is in my view the most important chapter for Christology in the Old Testament and along with David’s messianic Psalms must be placed alongside the Gospel accounts of the Messiah’s sufferings in Gethsemane and on the cross. Of course, the theology of the cross extends through-out the New Testament, particularly in the letters of Paul. The prophecy begins in Ch.52:13. Nevertheless, we will begin by referring to v7, Isaiah describes the beautiful feet of the evangelist as he comes over the mountains to proclaim and to sing the glad tidings of the coming of the Messiah, the proclamation of the gospel, the kingdom of God and the reign of God, “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isa.52:7). The link between 52:7 and 53:1 becomes clear when we read the opening question in v1, “Who has believed our report?” Immediately Isaiah goes on to describe the childhood of Jesus. This is the report of the evangelist spoken against a background of unbelief and blasphemy (52:5), but accompanied by the promise from the Lord that, “My people shall know My name” (v6). This promise was fulfilled in Jesus’ coming and in His powerful and authoritative words. Paul takes the prophecy of v7 and applies it to the preaching of the gospel (Rom.10:15).
New Life Radio – Talk No 23
3 Derrick Harrison
17/03/2021
