Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14 – 27:66
Second Isaiah was writing during the exile of the Israelites in Babylon after Jerusalem was destroyed. The people are discouraged, in despair, and tempted to give up their faith in God. In the ‘servant-song’ Isaiah offers consolation, recommending non-resistance and trust in the Lord.
Today Isaiah’s words express both our horror at the way Our Lord was treated, and our admiration for his example of patient non-retaliation. Trusting confidently in his Father, he “sets his face like flint”, even though it is covered with spittle. The Psalm continues this mood, but ends with praise.
The hymn in Philippians rejoices that – unlike Adam – Jesus did not seek to be equal to God. But God raised him to glory and gave him the name ‘Lord’. Jesus on the Cross invites us to imitate his humility.
Matthew’s Passion, with its lively dialogue, shows Jesus aware of what is to happen – and allowing it. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, bitterness between Jews and Matthew’s Jewish-Christian community led Matthew to blame the Jews for Jesus’ death. Jesus died just before Passover, when Jews celebrated their freedom from slavery. Soldiers, Jewish leaders, the inscription on the Cross, all ironically give Jesus his true title of ‘King of the Jews’, the Messiah, who overcomes death. Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan gives the Cross meaning.
Psalm Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14 – 27:66
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