Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Silent Submission

Jesus' silent submission in the face of suffering was a profound act of obedience to the Father's will. This was not a passive resignation but a deliberate choice to align with God's redemptive plan. His silence challenges us to trust in God's purposes, even when we face trials and injustices. By choosing not to protest, Jesus demonstrated a deep trust in God's justice and love, showing us that true strength lies in submission to God's will. This act of submission is a powerful reminder that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always for our ultimate good. [09:11]

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's plan? How can you practice silent submission and trust in His purposes today?

Day 2: United in Redemption

The unity between the Father and the Son in the mission to redeem humanity is a profound demonstration of God's love and justice. Jesus' willingness to lay down His life as a substitute for our sins reveals the depth of this divine love. This unity calls us to reflect on the cost of our salvation and to live in gratitude and obedience. Understanding the sacrifice made for us should inspire a life of thankfulness and a commitment to follow God's commands. The redemption plan was not just an act of love but also a testament to the justice of God, who provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. [19:16]

Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Reflection: How does understanding the unity in God's redemption plan change your perspective on your daily walk with Christ? What specific actions can you take to live in gratitude for this sacrifice?

Day 3: A Model for Suffering

Jesus' response to suffering provides a model for us to follow. In the face of injustice, He resisted the temptation to revile or threaten, instead entrusting Himself to God, who judges justly. This example calls us to respond to our own suffering with grace and love, rather than anger or bitterness. By following Jesus' model, we can become a light in a dark world, demonstrating the power of the gospel through our lives. This approach to suffering is not about passive acceptance but about actively trusting in God's justice and allowing Him to work through our circumstances. [22:16]

1 Peter 2:23 (ESV): "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you faced injustice. How can you respond differently, following Jesus' example, and entrust the situation to God?

Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Following Jesus' example is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables us to respond to suffering with grace and love, transforming our hearts and making us more like Christ. This transformation is a testimony to the world of the gospel's power. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live out the teachings of Jesus, even in the face of adversity. The Spirit's work in us is a continual process of making us more Christ-like, equipping us to handle life's challenges with a peace that surpasses understanding. [28:19]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your response to challenges today? How can you demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions with others?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Justice

Jesus' trust in God's justice is a powerful example for us. In a world filled with injustice, we are called to entrust our suffering to God, believing that He will do what is right. This trust frees us from bitterness and empowers us to live with hope and peace. By placing our trust in God's perfect justice, we can let go of the need for personal vengeance and rest in the assurance that God is in control. This trust is not only liberating but also a witness to others of the peace that comes from knowing God is just and faithful. [30:44]

Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's justice? How can you actively commit this area to Him today and find peace in His promises?

Sermon Summary

Isaiah 53:7 presents a profound picture of Jesus' submission and sacrifice. This verse highlights the silent suffering of Jesus, who, despite being oppressed and afflicted, did not open His mouth in protest. This silence was not a sign of weakness but a profound alignment with the will of the Father. Jesus' submission was a conscious choice, reflecting His complete trust in God's plan for redemption. This act of submission answers a pressing question about the nature of God’s justice and love. It shows that the Father and the Son were united in the mission to redeem humanity, with Jesus willingly laying down His life as a substitute for our sins.

The submission of Jesus also models a distinct calling for believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example, especially in times of suffering and injustice. This calling is not about passive acceptance but about actively entrusting ourselves to God, who judges justly. In a world filled with anger and bitterness, the example of Jesus offers a compelling prospect of a community that responds to injustice with grace and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The submission of Jesus opens a compelling prospect for believers. It invites us to trust in God's justice and to rely on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. This transformation enables us to respond to suffering not with reviling or threats but with the peace and love that Jesus exemplified. By following His example, we become a light in a dark world, demonstrating the power of the gospel through our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Silent Submission of Jesus: Jesus' silence in the face of suffering was a profound act of submission to the Father's will. This submission was not passive but a deliberate choice to align with God's redemptive plan. It challenges us to trust in God's purposes, even when we face trials and injustices. [09:11]
2. Unity in Redemption: The Father and the Son were united in the mission to redeem humanity. Jesus' willingness to lay down His life demonstrates the depth of God's love and justice. This unity calls us to reflect on the cost of our salvation and to live in gratitude and obedience. [19:16]
3. A Model for Suffering: Jesus' response to suffering provides a model for us. We are called to follow His example, especially when we face injustice. This involves resisting the temptations to revile or threaten and instead entrusting ourselves to God, who judges justly. [22:16]
4. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Following Jesus' example is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables us to respond to suffering with grace and love, transforming our hearts and making us more like Christ. This transformation is a testimony to the world of the gospel's power. [28:19]
5. Trusting in God's Justice: Jesus' trust in God's justice is a powerful example for us. In a world filled with injustice, we are called to entrust our suffering to God, believing that He will do what is right. This trust frees us from bitterness and empowers us to live with hope and peace. [30:44]
** [30:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to Isaiah 53
[00:32] - The Great Restoration
[01:04] - Substitution and Imputation
[02:42] - Attacks on Christian Doctrine
[03:27] - Denial of Sin and Judgment
[05:54] - Denial of Substitution
[07:08] - The Reality of the Cross
[09:11] - Jesus' Silent Submission
[14:26] - Application of Jesus' Submission
[15:10] - Answering a Pressing Question
[21:21] - Modeling a Distinct Calling
[26:55] - A Compelling Prospect
[30:44] - Trusting in God's Justice
[34:46] - Closing Prayer

Sermon Clips

Jesus bore our griefs and he carried our sorrows and he did that so that we might live in a world of peace and love and joy where grief and sorrow will be no more. We saw that Jesus purchased this restoration and he did it by means of substitution. [00:00:39]

Jesus was our substitute, he stood in our place, our sins were imputed to him, they were laid on him, they were counted as his and the sentence that would have been on us, well it was on him, and this is how we have peace with God. [00:02:15]

The first wave of the assault is to deny the severity of sin. See the biblical doctrine of sin tells us that there is something seriously wrong with us, our transgressions, our iniquities, our defiance, our twistedness. But you see this doesn't fit well with a world of affirmation. [00:03:38]

He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, like a lamb that has led to the slaughter and like a sheep that before it shearers is silent so he opened not his mouth. Very clearly what this verse is telling us is that when Jesus went to the cross he did not object. [00:08:51]

Jesus knew that what he suffered was in the will of the Father for him and his own will was completely aligned with the will of his Father. You remember in the garden of Gethsemane how Jesus wrestled with us and then he prayed, not my will but yours be done. [00:09:23]

Jesus could have stopped the process of his arrest, his trial, and his crucifixion at any moment if he chose to do so, but he chose not to do that. Why? Because in all that Jesus suffered his will was completely aligned with the will of his Father. [00:10:24]

The submission of Jesus that is the heart of this verse answers a pressing question. I want us to see that the submission of Jesus models a distinct calling, and I want us to see that the submission of Jesus opens a compelling prospect. [00:14:33]

God the Father and God the Son were at one in doing what it took to redeem you and to redeem me. And you may like to ponder this question, though you'll never be able to answer it, which is harder, to lay down your own life or to give up the life of one you love. [00:19:16]

The submission of Jesus models a very distinct calling. Now if you turn to first Peter in chapter 2 you will see that the end of that chapter in the New Testament is really an apostolic exposition or explanation of the verses that we are looking at in Isaiah and chapter 53. [00:21:21]

Imagine the impact of a community of people who when they suffer do not become bitter, when they're treated unjustly they don't revile, they don't threaten, they choose to love rather than hate. You say, how is that possible? The answer surely is twofold in the scriptures here. [00:27:52]

Following the example of Jesus is not something that any of us can do in our own strength, but you know it is possible when the Holy Spirit lives within you. Peter uses a very striking phrase, and he uses it twice here first in verse 19 he says this is a gracious thing. [00:28:19]

He continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. You see what Peter is saying, how was it that Jesus did not revile, how was it that he did not threaten, how was it that he overcame the dark powers of anger and bitterness and resentment and hatred that threaten to possess our souls. [00:30:44]

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