Isaiah 49:6

Read Isaiah 49:6

Helpful Background Information: 

• In Acts 1:8, (Our Sermon Passage), we see Jesus tell his disciples that they will be “his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Quoted in CSB). What is fascinating about this command is that Jesus is actually quoting from Isaiah 49:6, where the Servant of the LORD is described as the one who will bring salvation “to the ends of the earth”. 

• Hence, we turn our attention to Isaiah 49:6. This verse is in the middle of the second of four Servant Songs found throughout Isaiah. This particular Servant Song tells of the Servant’s mission and spiritual success. 

• But, the question must be asked? Who is this servant? The answer is the Lord Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed God, was rejected by the people he came to save, and purchased salvation and rose again. At various times throughout the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the direct fulfillment of these servant songs. This verse in particular is shown to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ in Luke 2:32 and Acts 26:23. It is Jesus Christ who is the light of the world, and he brings salvation not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles as well. 

• However, if Jesus is the particular Servant of the Lord, why does Jesus quote a passage about himself and apply it to his disciples? Also, why does Paul quote this same passage about himself and Barnabas later in the Book of Acts (Acts 13:47)? The answer is this: “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus Christ is the one directs and controls our lives; the risen Christ dwells inside us by the Holy Spirit to empower us to live. Because Christ, the Great Servant, lives inside us, we all become little servants of the Lord, partaking in the work of Christ in spreading his Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

Reflection Questions: 

• Because Christ lives within his followers, his followers become his hands and feet in spreading the Gospel. How does this rich truth empower your evangelism to your friends, family, and your community? 

• In being a light to the world, believers are called to be witnesses of Christ. How can you be a witness to Christ this week? 

  • How can you be a witness through your speech? How can you explain the Gospel truth (Christ crucified for sins) to someone this week? 

  • How can you show by example the light of Christ? List specific examples.