First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Theme: Resolute suffering for the Word of God

Exegetical Note
In this "Third Servant Song" in Second Isaiah (also used for the First Lesson in Passion Sunday), the servant seems to be conceived as an individual, and specifically as one who has had to suffer at the hands of his people for mediating the Word of God to them. Yet his attitude is resolute, for he trusts in both the help and vindication of God. This suffering servant’s sense of vocation, inspiration, and final vindication all make this passage extremely amenable to a Christological interpretation for Holy Week.

Call to Worship
Leader: We meet in the name of a servant called of God.
People: WE MEET IN THE NAME OF ONE WHO SUFFERED FOR HIS VOCATION.
Leader: Though Christ suffered, yet was he resolute…