Isaiah 42:1-9
This Week’s Main Idea:
“We worship Christ not just because he was meek, and not just because he was mighty, but because no one in history has ever united them the way he did. Sovereign might in sacrificial meekness. Terrible majesty through tender mercy…. There is none like Jesus.” — John Piper
Icebreaker:
When you hear the word “justice,” what comes to mind? Is justice something you expect to see in men and women who are put in positions of leadership in the world?
Introduction:
Most of the time we think about justice in terms of retribution: someone commits a crime and must be punished lest society deteriorate toward lawlessness. Retribution, however, is only part of justice. Biblically speaking, justice has to do with peace, wholeness, and righteousness. The world God created was wholly good and just. However, Scripture is also clear that God’s world has been corrupted by sin. The world is longing for the day when peace and righteousness will be restored through the return of Christ (Rom. 8:20-25).
Read Isaiah 42:1.
1. Look at the way the Messiah is described in Isaiah 42:1. How would you expect this type of person to behave? What would be some of His characteristics?
2. Does this verse help you understand why people were expecting the Messiah to act in power and to bring a new world order when He came? Explain.
Read Isaiah 42:2-4.
3. How is the picture of justice in these verses different from what most people typically understand a person of justice to be?
4. What type of person do you think the metaphor “a bruised reed” refers to?
5. How do servanthood, gentleness, and humility work together with courage, strength, and perseverance in the face of injustice among those whom God has chosen and filled with His Spirit?
Read Isaiah 42:5-9.
6. Look at how God describes Himself in verses 5, 8-9. Why do you think this is included?
7. What promises does God make about the Messiah in verses 6-7?
8. From this passage, how would you describe the justice of King Jesus?
Suggested prayer request:
Thank you, God, for Jesus and His promise to bring justice and establish it forever. Increase our desire to be people marked by this merciful justice, and bring glory to Jesus us as we strive to follow His example in our daily lives.
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
Psalm 10; Ezekiel 34:1-16; Isaiah 61; Matthew 11; Psalm 147; Romans 11.