“I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.”
Like the suffering servant of Isaiah 50, Jesus did nothing to prevent his fate. He did not argue with his accusers. He did not retaliate against those who beat him and crucified him. Instead, he responded with few words, a lot of silence, much suffering, agonizing prayer, and steadfast endurance to the end. He allowed his righteousness to speak for itself, as it did to Pilate’s wife in her dream (Matt. 27:19). He allowed others to supply the testimony to his identity. In the face of injustice, he relied on God’s justice in God’s time. In the face of scorn, he refused to stoop to the same level of contempt. In the face of violence, he chose a path of nonviolence.
Three days later, on Easter Sunday morning, God’s answer to all of the questions about Jesus came in the Resurrection. Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah and Anointed One of God. Yes, the temple of Jesus’ body had been beaten and broken, but gained new life on the third day. Yes, Jesus is God’s Son, not at all forgotten or forsaken, but fully vindicated in his passion and in his rising again. Our text ends with Jesus’ passion on Good Friday, but Resurrection Sunday is coming!
Reflect:
Read Isaiah 50:4–9 and reflect on Matthew 27:11–54 one more time. What does Jesus’ suffering reveal to you about his love?
Pray:
Express your gratitude to God for the extent of his love, revealed to us on the Cross.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
We’ve got little information on Jesus’ appearance and personality. But that’s the way God designed it.españolFrançais
Beyoncé’s right. Whether listening to Cowboy Carter or reading theology, diversity is a good thing.
