ISAIAH 49:1-7
1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." 4 But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." 5 And now the LORD days - he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength - 6 he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." 7 This is what the LORD says - the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel - to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you." NIV 84
LESSON NOTES
Biblical Listening Means Obedient Listening
When the Servant says, “Listen to me,” it is not an invitation to consider His words—it is a call to hear with the intent to obey. True listening to Jesus always leads to action, not mere admiration or reflection.
God’s Kingdom Advances Through Words, Not Weapons
The Servant’s mouth is described as a sharpened sword and a polished arrow. God does not establish His kingdom through force or power, but through truth, grace and the gospel penetrating hearts and transforming lives.
The Servant Becomes What We Failed to Be
The Servant is named “Israel” because He embodies everything Israel was meant to be. In the same way, Jesus becomes for us what we could never be on our own—righteous, faithful, and obedient.
Faithfulness Matters More Than Fruitfulness
Even the Servant experiences discouragement, opposition, and misunderstanding. Yet He entrusts the results to God. Our calling is not to produce results but to remain faithful and trust God with the fruit.
God’s Salvation Is Too Big for One Nation
Restoring Israel alone would be “too small a thing.” God’s plan has always been global—salvation to the ends of the earth. Advent reminds us that Jesus did not come just for one people, but for all people.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When you hear the words of Jesus, do you approach them as helpful guidance or as words to be obeyed? What makes obedience difficult in everyday life?
2. The Servant's words are described as powerful and penetrating. When have God's words challenged or changed your heart in a meaningful way?
3. Where in your life do you feel discouraged because you don't see results - parenting, ministry, work, relationships? What would it look like to focus on faithfulness and leave the outcome to God?
4. How does understanding that Jesus came to be what we could not be - instead of giving us another chance to "get it right" - change the way you view grace, salvation, and your relationship with God?
5. In what ways might your vision of God's work be "too small"? How can you participate - locally or globally - in God's mission to be a light to others?
