Servant Songs

This passage from Isaiah is one of what are called the “Servant Songs.” These passages portray a just man who is suffering for others. Here it also mirrors Jesus’ scourging and mocking by Pilate’s soldiers. These would be just some of the indignities that Jesus suffered for us. Over the years, many who work for justice have suffered similar indignities. Protesters have been beaten, spit upon, and jailed. They have had dogs unleashed on them, fire hoses spraying water to push them back, had cars driven into them and even killed. Some of these protesters were fighting for the right to vote, others against unfair or dangerous working conditions. Some were working to save us from companies that polluted the environment or for the protection of endangered animals. No matter the cause, they were motivated by a desire for justice, especially for those people who had no voice.

The protests I am referring to were peaceful protests. These were not people attacking with weapons. The just man in Isaiah is also referred to as a lamb being led to the slaughter who offered no resistance. Jesus also offered no resistance to those who would arrest him. Those who were arrested in these demonstrations offered no resistance. What do you or I feel so strongly about that we would put ourselves at risk? How do we react when we are challenged?

During the Holocaust, people were willing to take the place of others who had families and were killed. There were also people who risked their lives by harboring their Jewish neighbors. Jesus said that the greatest love was to lay down one’s life for a friend. He laid down his life for friend and enemy alike.

Lord God, you taught as about the Suffering Servant and you sent us your Son who suffered and died for us. May we stand up for the rights of others and not count the cost. Amen.