Jesus the servant

Wednesday 5 May 2021

Jesus the servant

(Jesus) severely advised them not to make it known, so that what the prophet Isaiah had foretold might be fulfilled : Here is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved who has found my approval. Matthew 12: 16-18

The Creator and ruler of the universe, the Son of God, becomes a servant. What annihilation ! He comes from heaven to earth to become the servant of God and the Savior of mankind.

Matthew quotes Isaiah's prophecy: Behold my servant, whom I will uphold, whomever I have chosen and who has my approval. I put my Spirit on him (Isaiah 42: 1) and find it fulfilled in Jesus.

Jesus Christ comes as the servant of God to bring back to himself what is left of the people of Israel (Isaiah 49: 5,6). By his gracious words and by his miracles, he proves that he is indeed the envoy of the Father, the Messiah announced by the prophets. But the religious leaders of the people refuse to be convinced and accuse him of serving the leader of the demons (Matthew 12:24).

From then on, Jesus continues his service : he broadens the scope of his work and declares, for example, that he came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Salvation is no longer reserved for a people ; it is offered to all who desire to do the will of God (Matthew 12: 49,50).

As we read the Gospels, we discover the tireless activity of this servant entirely devoted to the will of his Father. He draws near to the weakest of the people, heals the sick, restores sight to the blind and speech to the dumb, touches lepers and makes them clean. What moves us above all is his humility, he who considers himself a slave and who seeks nothing other than to accomplish the will of the one who sent him. He recognizes himself as the master of his disciples, but he remains among them as the one who serves them.

Finally, obedient all his life, our Lord remains obedient until death, for the glory of God and the eternal salvation of all his redeemed. May it be blessed forever !

We too humbly cultivate this interior attitude of service to God and to others, seeking nothing but to please our Master !

Source (Pleasing the Lord)