Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21(22) ;Phil 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56
In this suffering servant song Isaiah expresses the despondency of an exiled people apparently deserted by their God. But it is they who have fallen away. God has not gone back on his promise to them, and he will come to their help. But first they must turn back to him and put all their trust in him, in spite of their sufferings.
On the Cross Jesus uttered the first words of Psalm 22, which goes on to reflect his suffering. But rather than a cry of despair, the psalm expresses Jesus’ complete confidence in his Father and praises the redemption bought by his Cross.
Paul pleaded for unity among the Philippians, divided by rivalry and personal vanity. He urged them to “do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves”. Unlike Adam, Jesus did not try to be equal to God. Instead his crucifixion gives us the supreme example of unselfish love. Therefore he was raised to new life, as also will be those who follow his example.
Luke says that at the Last Supper Jesus declares he will “not drink wine until the kingdom of God comes”. Mark and John say that immediately before he died Jesus was given wine to drink from a sponge, then saying “It is finished”.
Psalm Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21(22) ;Phil 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56)