The Suffering Servant

READ: Isaiah 53:3-6

Isaiah 53 paints the sad picture of one who took upon himself rejection, suffering, and the punishment that brought peace. The temptation is to look upon Calvary; say, “Thanks, Jesus;” and then settle into a quiet life of comfort and complacency. 

Jesus instructs us otherwise. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

And be rejected?

“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23)

And suffer?

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29)

And take upon ourselves the punishments that bring peace?

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back. (Philemon 18-19)

Really, Paul?

I speak the truth in Christ -- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit … For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people … (Romans 9:1,3)

More than a scapegoat, Christ is a prototype. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29)

The Surprising King

Mark 8:27-9:1

Because they were looking for a conquering King, many in Jesus' day missed the clear message of Isaiah - that the coming messiah would suffer to bring healing to the people. Peter was one of many in this regard - missing what Jesus was really doing in the world. In fact, it would be until after the resurrection that Peter would fully understand.

Imagine that! Peter spent every day with Jesus. And still, he didn’t understand all that there was to this Messiah who he trusted. Peter’s journey of discovering more and more about Christ would lead him to his great sermon in Acts 2, having for the first time received the Spirit. Then he learns that God wants to save gentiles too in Acts 10. Ultimately, Peter’s story (according to the tradition of the church) ends with his own suffering. Peter dies for his faith, hanging on a cross like he commanded Jesus not to do.

Like Peter, you are never done discovering more of Jesus. We are called to release our demands of Jesus, our pre-conceived notions and our limitations so we can go wherever He will lead us.

Where might Christ be leading you this week? Are you willing to follow anywhere that He leads? Or might you be like Peter, deciding for Jesus what it is He can do?

  

                                                                                Aaron Thompson