The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;
    I have not been rebellious,
    I have not turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
    from mocking and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
    and I know I will not be put to shame.

‘He is a skilled counsellor because he himself has been taught by the LORD. He is a disciple before he is anything else, and as such his outstanding characteristic is attentiveness to God: morning by morning God instructs him, and morning by morning he listens (4b). This, as we recall from chapter 48, is exactly what Israel had failed to do. In stark contrast to Israel, too, he is not…rebellious (5). His whole intent is to translate the instruction he receives into obedient action, no matter what the cost… No weary one could say that this Servant speaks from a vantage point of lofty and serene detachment. Far from it. No-one has felt the struggle more intensely, or paid a bigger price for obedience. He is the perfect disciple.’ Barry Webb: ‘Isaiah’, pp.198,199.

We are drawing close to the fourth and final ‘Servant Song’ where we will see the full extent of Jesus’ suffering, but here is preparation for it. As Kidner says, the reader feels it is but a step to the Cross. C.R.North made the comment that verses 6,7 contain ‘a startling anticipation of the mistreatment of Christ on the morning of the crucifixion’ (see Mt.26:67; 27:26; cf, Lk.9:51). Yet again we have to marvel at the remarkable fulfillment of prophecy.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your willingness to listen, obey and suffer. Thank you for the pattern of discipleship you have laid down. Help me, by your power, to follow in your steps.