Saturday, April 15, 2017
Isaiah 53:7 …He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.
THE SUFFERING SERVANT OF THE LORD (6)
How fitting for the prophet to use this picture of Jesus, the Servant of the Lord, as a lamb brought to slaughter. The animal waits its turn patiently, whether for shearing or for slaughter. Similarly, the passion account records how in order to save us Jesus suffered patiently, willingly, silently.
Jesus is truly the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He came to suffer and die that we, the wandering sheep, by faith in Him might have life and have it more abundantly. For in Him we have forgiveness of all sins, and thus peace with God now and eternal life As Jesus said one time: "My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:27 f.).
This Holy Saturday the Holy Spirit would etch that picture on our heart of hearts: the patient Lamb of God willingly suffering and dying to save the wandering sheep.
What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,
Who would not know Him.
O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?
How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer?
What dare I offer?
I'll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing.
That earth's vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 143:4, 8, 12)
