Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Servant

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The title "Servant" as applied to Christ is a profound and multifaceted designation that underscores His humility, obedience, and sacrificial role in the divine plan of redemption. This title is deeply rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and is vividly fulfilled in the New Testament through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of the "Servant" is prominently featured in the Book of Isaiah, particularly in the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). These passages describe a figure who is chosen by God, endowed with His Spirit, and tasked with bringing justice and salvation to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 states, "Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations." This Servant is characterized by meekness and a commitment to God's will, even in the face of suffering and rejection.

Isaiah 53, perhaps the most well-known of the Servant Songs, portrays the Servant as a suffering figure who bears the sins of many. Isaiah 53:5 declares, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This passage foreshadows the atoning work of Christ, highlighting His role as the sacrificial Servant who redeems humanity through His suffering.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is explicitly identified as the fulfillment of the Servant prophecies. The Gospel of Matthew frequently references these prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus embodies the Servant role. Matthew 12:18-21 quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, affirming Jesus as the chosen Servant who brings hope to the Gentiles.

Jesus Himself embraced the identity of a servant, as evidenced by His actions and teachings. In Mark 10:45 , Jesus states, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This declaration encapsulates the essence of His mission: to serve humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.

The Apostle Paul further expounds on Christ's servanthood in Philippians 2:5-7 , where he writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage highlights the humility and self-emptying nature of Christ, who willingly took on the form of a servant to accomplish God's redemptive purposes.

Theological Implications

The title "Servant" reveals the paradox of Christ's identity as both divine and humble. It emphasizes His voluntary submission to the Father's will and His dedication to serving others, even to the point of death. This servanthood is not a denial of His divinity but rather a profound expression of His love and obedience.

Christ's example as the Servant serves as a model for believers, calling them to emulate His humility and selflessness in their own lives. The servanthood of Christ challenges Christians to prioritize the needs of others and to live in a manner that reflects His sacrificial love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit on him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The bridegroom is Christ, the reason being that
he was promised by the Father from the beginning; in the psalm: and he ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... the Gospels and the Apostles and in the prophets a countless number of titles which
are ... But Isaiah knows Christ to be spoken of under the names of Jacob ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

To Bishop Timotheus.
... and "Lord of all creation"; and that the names "Jesus Christ ... however, He was never
called either Christ or Jesus. ... He is called also by the titles which are ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxx to bishop timotheus.htm

Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and ...
... being a servant, to be King from being a subject, to be Christ from being ... n. 6):
but he here probably means no more than that names or titles which properly ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 then returning to.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He saves,"Christ, because
He ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

On Christ.
... He is called by many different names, according to ... Truth and the Resurrection: for
all these titles are derived ... supposed to be denied that either Christ or the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on christ.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... by the high priest, so
the names of Christ's ... we might preserve the fragrance of Christ's words far ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm