Rabbis debated who Isaiah’s fourth “servant song” was about, and suggested a variety of figures to whom the song might apply. The first Christians had no doubt. They quoted this song more than any other verses to describe Jesus’ redemptive suffering. Before his arrest, Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:12 about being “counted with criminals.” He set the stage for the way his followers applied Isaiah 52:13–53:12 by saying that the passage was about him.

• M. Scott Peck quoted an old priest who said, “The only ultimate way to conquer evil is to let it be smothered within a willing, living human being. When it is absorbed there … it loses its power and goes no further.” What does Jesus’ choice to defeat evil by being the Suffering Servant tell you about the kind of God we serve? When have you faced evil? How can Jesus’ example guide you toward the only way of true victory over evil?

• Paul, following Jesus, told Christians in Rome: “Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them.” “Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions.” We trust God to deal with evil, so, he ended, “Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good” (Romans 12:14, 17, 21). Do you believe good CAN defeat evil, or do you think that is naïve and idealistic? When you have returned hurt for hurt or wrong for wrong, how did that change you? Did it make the situation better or worse?

From Grow.Pray.Study (GPS) The Church of the Resurrection--Weekly Guide