Professer Boaz: A Life of FaithSample

The Vocation of the Slave Son

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations." (Matthew 12:18)

This verse is a quote from the Prophet Isaiah, which literally reads, “Behold my Slave!” (Isaiah 42:1). In that context, the Prophet Isaiah is talking about a gentile king by the name of Cyrus. It is poignant that God should call a pagan king as His slave/servant. This Persian king is also called “Messiah” by the Prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 45:1).

How can a pagan king be called “Messiah” and “Servant?” This was an enigma for the ancient Jewish people, and ancient rabbis struggled with this thought. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that God uses even pagan kings as His servant vehicles to fulfill His purposes of bringing about salvation, justice, and peace. The Bible is not reticent about calling them Messiah.

The Persians would have struggled with this dual conception, as well. Their king, according to them was divine. He cannot be a slave.

In this verse, the Apostle Matthew uses the Greek word Pais, “Behold my Son (in Greek, Pais)!” He does not use the usual word for “servant” or “slave,” doulos. This is very crucial to note.

During the time of Jesus, Roman soldiers would grab boys (pais) from Jewish villages like Nazareth, and use them as slaves. And so the translation, “slave or servant.”

The New Testament makes it clear that one of these Jewish boys, Jesus of Nazareth, was the Son of God.

Who is Jesus? Is He a slave, or is He the Son of God?

The biblical answer is, He is both. Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God. Yet, He is also a slave.

In human society this can be a quandary. Yet, God calls those of us who seek to follow Jesus the Messiah, to be just like Him - to be both slaves and sons. According to the Bible, there is no contradiction. Only with this demeanor may we also, just like our Messiah, bring about peace and justice in our world today.

A Prayer:

Lord, as I go about my vocation today, please help me, just like my Messiah Jesus, to be both a slave and a son.