BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Yesterday’s reading ended with a persistent problem. Even after all they go through in exile and learn from that experience, the Israelites continue turning away from God. Today’s reading introduces Yahweh’s surprising solution: Instead of giving up on Israel, he’s sending his servant to bring everyone home.

Yahweh’s servant has a twofold mission. First, he represents the Israelites so that he can restore them. He receives the title “Israel” (Isa. 49:3) and brings the scattered people home from exile.

And then, since Yahweh wants to be with his people, his servant makes the path back home easy to navigate. Notice all of the poetic metaphors here. Instead of needing to scramble up steep hills, they will stroll down a wide and level highway, shielded from the sun’s scorching heat. Whenever they grow thirsty, they can stoop to drink from springs of sweet water along the road. Even solemn mountains will burst into song, cheering the Israelites on as they dance their way back into Zion. Their once-desolate city will bloom with garden life, laughter ringing, as St. Teresa of Avila once wrote, “from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky.”

But even all this, Isaiah declares, is “too light a thing” (Isa. 49:6) for Yahweh’s anointed servant. He will not only bless Israel but will also take on Israel’s job of bringing justice and good news to the nations. Through the servant, God’s generous, life-giving love overflows to the farthest corners of the Earth.

Reflection Questions

• Look back to Yahweh’s covenant promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. How do you see the servant carrying forward God’s blessing and rescue mission in today’s reading?
• Read Simeon’s response to the newborn Jesus in Luke 2:25-35. What hyperlinks to Isaiah do you see in Simeon’s song? How does this help you understand Jesus’ identity and mission?