About

Call to worship: Matthew 12:9-21

Text: Isaiah 42:1-9

Sermon Outline:

1. Putting this Servant Song in it's proper setting
2. Beholding this Servant, 42:1
3. Beholding His service: a strange justice, 42:2-9.
   • His being the (new) covenant of grace for us, 42:5-9
   • His tireless ministry of grace to us, 42:2-4

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. Isaiah 42:1-9 is the first of a set of songs in Isaiah 41-53. I encouraged you to read those chapters on Monday of this week. What are these songs called? Why? Who is the Servant ultimately? Read Matthew 12:9-21.
2. In Isaiah 42:1, what is God's main concern for His people? What does He command them to do? Is this what we do on a consistent basis? What's so amazing about this Servant? Count the things you read in verse 1.
3. At the end of verses 1, 3, and 4, a major theme emerges. What will define the Servant's ministry? What will He bring forth? What do you think of when you hear the word 'justice' today?
4. In 42:2-3 and 5-9, interestingly the justice this Servant brings forth appears to be a ministry of grace? How does Jesus make God's grace just?
5. In the same verses, we find two aspects of the Servant's service to us. How would you characterize them? What might God mean by calling this Servant 'a covenant' (42:6)? Once we're identified as covenant members (by faith in Christ), will we ever totally fall out of that relationship with God? Why not (42:2-4)