This is the third of four servant songs in the book of Isaiah. In these servant songs, the Jewish people interpret servant collectively as referring to Israel. Christians believe the servant songs are messianic and refer to Jesus. In this servant song, the servant is an inspirational teacher, who willingly and innocently suffers and is vindicated by God. This servant song reminds Christians of the Passion narratives in the Gospels.
As the perfect teacher, Jesus listens carefully and speaks an encouraging word to the weary. It reminds me of influential teachers in my life. When I was impatiently waiting for my first call after graduating from seminary, the Rev. Dr. William Hordern, an excellent teacher and listener, shared words of encouragement with me that I took to heart. His words of wisdom helped me and made a huge difference in my life.
Jesus the Messiah’s words to the weary resulted in a torturous suffering and death that was sacrificial. The Hebrew word for sacrifice is korban, and means to come closer, to draw closer—exactly what Jesus accomplished for humankind through his suffering and death.
May we always thank you, Jesus, for drawing us closer to you. Amen. —