READING: Isaiah 50-53
“He did not open his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7
He was an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah – particularly Isaiah 53:7-8. He did not understand it well, however. When Philip arrived on the scene, he helped the eunuch understand that these texts refer to Jesus. It is verse 7 that most captures my attention today, however: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth” (Isa. 53:7).
I’m captured by this verse because of the seemingly silent submission of the Servant as he is slaughtered. Jesus could have said and done so many things on His way to His death that He did not do. He could have called, and angels would have stopped the whole process. With His power, He could have immediately judged those arresting Him. He could have simply walked away if He wished, or He could have supernaturally disappeared from their midst. At a minimum, He could have spoken against His murderers. The text says, though, that He “did not open his mouth.”
That’s quite incredible to me. He kept silent, knowing this was the will of the Father. He didn’t say anything as He made His way to die for the sins of the world. We are all sheep who willingly went astray—often making a loud, public commotion as we did—but the one who redeemed us said not a word as He died for us. His silence in response spoke volumes about Him. Indeed, His silence echoed with love.
ACTION STEPS:
- Meditate on the theme of the Suffering Servant today. It pleased God to bruise Him for you.
- Don’t be a straying sheep today. Be obedient.
PRAYER: “Jesus, thank You for suffering on my behalf. I praise You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 54-58