The concept of the "Knowledge of the Servant" is deeply rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah. This theme is central to understanding the role and mission of the Servant of the Lord, a figure who embodies obedience, wisdom, and divine purpose.

Isaiah's Servant Songs

The "Knowledge of the Servant" is prominently featured in the Servant Songs of Isaiah, which are found in chapters 42, 49, 50, and 53. These passages describe a Servant chosen by God to bring justice and salvation to the nations. Isaiah 42:1-4 introduces the Servant: "Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations." The Servant is endowed with the Spirit of God, granting Him the knowledge and wisdom necessary to fulfill His mission.

The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53 provides a profound insight into the knowledge and suffering of the Servant. This chapter describes the Servant as one who bears the iniquities of others, offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin. Isaiah 53:11 states, "After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities." Here, the "knowledge" of the Servant is linked to His understanding of God's redemptive plan and His role in it. This knowledge enables Him to justify many, highlighting His unique position as both a sufferer and a redeemer.

The Servant's Obedience and Wisdom

The Servant's knowledge is also characterized by His obedience and wisdom. Isaiah 50:4-5 speaks of the Servant's attentiveness to God's instruction: "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not turned back." This passage emphasizes the Servant's daily communion with God, through which He gains the wisdom to comfort and guide others.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the knowledge of the Servant is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospels portray Jesus as the ultimate Servant who possesses divine knowledge and wisdom. In Matthew 12:18-21, the Gospel writer quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, identifying Jesus as the Servant who brings justice to the nations. Jesus' teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death are seen as the embodiment of the Servant's mission, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah.

Theological Implications

The knowledge of the Servant has significant theological implications. It underscores the Servant's role as a mediator between God and humanity, possessing the divine insight necessary to accomplish God's redemptive purposes. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply relational, rooted in the Servant's intimate connection with the Father. It highlights the Servant's unique ability to empathize with human suffering while providing a pathway to salvation.

In summary, the "Knowledge of the Servant" is a multifaceted theme that reveals the depth of the Servant's understanding, obedience, and mission. It is a knowledge that is both divine and redemptive, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's prophetic vision.