In this passage we hear the prophecy announcing the coming of God's servant. We as Christians interpret this as the prediction of the coming of Christ. This servant will bring about justice to the world. Isaiah says, "...he will faithfully bring forth justice" (Isa. 42:3 NRSV). God's servant will also ease suffering. Isaiah also says, "...I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness" (Isa. 42:6-7 NRSV).

In the gospels we hear of Christ opening the eyes of the blind setting the prisoners free, feeding the hungry, and bringing about justice. We look forward to the time when Christ will come again and bring about prefect peace and justice. Until then we are called to work toward that goal. We are to help relieve suffering and work for justice. If we consider ourselves followers of Christ we too must be servants of God.

Baptism with Water and Spirit (Matt. 3:13–17)

In our gospel lesson we hear about the baptism of Christ. Jesus comes to John to be baptized. At first John is reluctant. He says, "...I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"(Matt. 3:14 NRSV). John realized who Jesus was. He knew that it was Jesus who had the power of God. And yet Jesus knew that his power came from God and he needed to submit to God's will to fully receive that power. He said, "...Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15 NRSV). We too need to remember that we need to submit to God's will for us to fully receive God's blessing and Spirit.