The 5th Gospel

Isaiah 49:1–3 (ESV) Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. 3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

Isaiah 49 brings us to the second servant song in Isaiah. It's clear from the start, the servant has been sent to those who are far off for that is who he calls to listen. He was also appointed from before his birth to speak words that would cut. He was hidden for a time and now revealed in Jesus Christ. 

Peter had this in mind when he wrote:

1 Peter 1:20 (ESV) He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you

Peter is a Jewish fisherman that learned the Lord had come for those of other nations. He came in the flesh to reach those in the flesh. 

Now you might think from verse three where Isaiah says, "you are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified" that God is referring to the nation. But just two verses later we see that this servant has been called to reach the people of Israel for God. 

Isaiah 49:5 (ESV) And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength—

We see the prophetic utterance detailing the work of Jesus Christ who does what the nation failed to do. He obeys completely and brings salvation to the world. Abraham's purpose is realized in Christ.

Genesis 12:3 (ESV) I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Isaiah speaks of something we will see fulfilled shortly in Acts and longitudinaly in world history - KINGS of the Earth who formerly despised Him will arise and worship Him!

Isaiah 49:7 (ESV) Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Isaiah even details the miraculous work of Christ in verses 8 and 9:

Isaiah 49:8–10 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages, 9 saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’ They shall feed along the ways; on all bare heights shall be their pasture; 10 they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.

Does not Jesus deliver the sinner from his sin, the lame from his physical powerlessness? Does he not also feed the 5000 and the 4000 bringing them food and offering them the Spirit if they should thirst? 

It is no wonder Isaiah is called the 5th Gospel by so many.