The word “servant” or “slave” is a translation of the Hebrew word ebed. This is the description that God gives the coming Messiah in today’s passage.

Isaiah 42:1-4
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

Notice the characteristics of God’s ebed. He is chosen by God, and the Father delights in him. The Holy Spirit will be on him. He will be faithful in bringing justice to the nations. Most people would break a weak reed, but not the Messiah. He will serve with gentleness. He will never give in and never be discouraged. People in the remotest parts will put their hope in him.

In his gospel, Matthew quotes from this Old Testament passage. Matthew 12:18-21 states that God’s servant would perfectly carry out the will of the Father. Certainly, that is what Jesus did. He followed the Father’s will all the way to the cross. There, on the cross, Jesus died for your sins and mine. God’s servant served us by paying the penalty of our sin in full.

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for humbling yourself and bearing my sin in your body on the cross. Thank you for loving me enough to die for me. Thank you for being God’s servant. Help me to be a worthy servant for you.
In your name, I pray. Amen.