Jesus has many titles. The title we are exploring today is The Suffering Servant and its meaning for us. The Suffering Servant is the Fourth Song found in Second Isaiah. The figure of a suffering servant is exclusive to Second Isaiah. The servant had trust and honor and was at the king’s service. To be a servant speaks of a relationship with God. The term servant implied a mission given by God to prophets like Moses, Elijah, and David.

The identity of Isaiah’s servant is debatable. The most common estimations are that the servant is Israel, Cyrus, a prophet, or a royal figure. The servant in Isaiah reveals himself through songs.

In the first song (42:1-4), God calls his servant. His servant is filled with the Holy Spirit and is prepared to bring justice to the nations. The servant will be a “covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42:6-7, Revised Standard Version). This description contrasts those who worship their Babylonian gods. These gods are “empty wind” and not filled with the breath of God (Isaiah 41:29). 

In the second song (49:1-6), the servant recounts his origins in his mother’s womb. The servant is concealed and loved in the secret of his mother’s womb before being sent on a mission. The servant is called intimately by name. He is called to be a light not only to Jacob but to all the nations (Isaiah 49:6). This is an example of the ecclesial aspect of these songs. The servant not only witnesses a chosen people but all people. 

In the third song (Isaiah 50:4-9), the servant resolves to endure suffering and hold to obedience and trust in God. The servant trusts that God will vindicate him. 

Tomorrow we will look closely at the fourth song. For now, let the meditation below offer prayerful reflection on this holy week.