Behold My Servant

In Behold My Servant, Banner of Truth presents John Calvin's sermons on Isaiah 52:13–53:12. Translated from the original French by Robert White, this collection is a powerful exposition on one of the most stunning passages in Scripture.

Christ the Small Shoot

I was most moved to read how Jesus was described as a small shoot, a root springing from dry ground. Calvin says that although Christ was insignificant, God caused Him to grow. He increased and flowered in all His glory. Christ was a small shoot, but grew up to give shade to the whole world. Calvin goes on to explain that the dry ground correlates to people asking, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Don’t we know how He was raised? And what school did He learn at to become so great a teacher?” Like the growth of Christ, I saw the growth and spread of the gospel and the plans of God to be unstoppable.

I found this book to be encouraging. When Christ is not esteemed, Christians should remember that we will be treated the same. But we can also trust that God will, in the end, exalt His Son and make us victorious.

The Paradox of the Cross

I saw the paradox of how God could say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased—listen to Him,” yet also afflict Him for our transgressions. It’s a holy and heavy thought—yet we can be sure that He will pardon our sins and welcome us as His beloved children, since our curse was ended on the cross.

I was especially interested to read how we could use silence to give God glory. Calvin says that God’s Son showed silence, as a lamb led to slaughter, who did not open His mouth. In the same way, we can hold our tongues when we are being mistreated, but also when we are being tested by God. This does not mean we do not pray—rather, it means we do not protest. Calvin turns the tables in an incredible way by saying that now Christ’s mouth is always open, being ever ready to intercede in order to remedy all the offenses we have committed.

Marvel at the Messiah

Those interested in Calvin will want to check out this volume for his brilliance on a standout section of Scripture. Those new to Calvin will see the great Reformer as a pastor, and one who sees the beauty of his Savior. All will wonder at the grace of God, behold the mystery of the cross, and marvel at the Messiah—the Suffering Servant of the Lord.

I received a media copy of Behold My Servant and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.