Isaiah’s first of four Servant Songs (42:1–9) outlines the divine appointment and empowerment of the Servant and His mission to establish justice, be a covenant for the people, open blinded eyes, and liberate captives. This Servant is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate response to human sinfulness and need for deliverance.
The parables of the hidden treasure and the costly pearl highlight the incalculable value of God’s kingdom. The kingdom is not yet consummated, and its value remains hidden from many. But those who perceive its worth spare no cost to enter it.
The kingdom of heaven manifests itself in the presence of the Lord Jesus. The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven emphasize that although the spiritual reign of God appears small and insignificant, it possesses expansive and intensive power.
The Christian life demands a radical redirection of priorities, motives, and actions. We turn from self-centeredness to live for God and others. As such, the Lord directs us not to the simple thing—to tolerate our enemies— but the impossible apart from transforming grace: to love our enemies and do them good.
What is the shape of a life devoted to God? Paul develops the theme of practical devotion to God in Romans 12:9–21. A central feature of this life, according to Romans 12:9–13 is sincere love for God and fellow Christians.
The complete devotion to God that Romans 12:1–2 demands is neither ambiguous nor abstract but clear and concrete. Romans 12:3–8 explains that the life of consecration involves humility and the use God-given gifts for the benefit of the one body of Christ.