Isaiah 42:1 (ESV) -- Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

The announcement of Jesus by the angel to Joseph was not the first announcement of Jesus. I’m not talking about the announcement made to Mary first. I’m talking about the Old Testament. Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. There are many announcements of His coming into the world. 

One of the passages that points to the coming of Jesus is found in our text today. God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” This prophecy from Isaiah foreshadows the coming Savior. 

Notice the Lord says, “my servant.” The One coming will be a servant of the Lord. He will be upheld. He is the chosen One in whom God delights. The Spirit of the Lord will be on Him to empower His works and words. What will this servant do? He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will rule as the true king over the world. 

This passage is speaking about Jesus. He is the servant who comes to lay His life down (Philippians 2). He is the chosen One from the foundation of the earth to be slain for sinners (Revelation 13:8). God delights in this servant. Why? Because they are the eternal Father and Son. Jesus is the Word who was with God and is God (John 1:1-3). The work of Jesus is to save sinners, build a kingdom consisting of every nation, tribe, and tongue. This announcement of Isaiah’s points us to the coming of Jesus seven hundred years before angels declaring His arrival. Behold the majesty of the God who reveals His plans to us so that when they come to pass we are reminded that He indeed reigns.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why are prophecies of Jesus’ coming important for knowing His identity?
- What does this passage teach us about Jesus’ role and work?
- How should these prophecies fulfilled encourage our faith? How do they help us trust promises still yet to come?

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