Behold My Servant
Sermons on Isaiah 52:13-53:12
500 in stock
| ISBN | 9781800405080 |
|---|---|
| Binding | Cloth-bound |
| Format | Book |
| Page Count | 160 |
| Banner Pub Date | 2025 |
| The Author | Calvin, John |
| Subtitle | Sermons on Isaiah 52:13-53:12 |
Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on the Book of Isaiah between July 1556 and August 1559, only eleven were published in his lifetime. Seven of them are newly translated here, all on Isaiah’s Fourth Servant Song (Isa. 52:13–53:12). In a series of stunning scenes which have no parallel in prophetic literature, Isaiah delineates the figure of one who is both sacrificial victim and God’s agent of salvation. In identifying the Servant with Jesus Christ, Calvin is at one with the witness of the Universal church. In this memorable sermon series, the Reformer explores with sensitivity Isaiah’s contrasting themes of humiliation and exaltation, death and resurrection. At the same time, he demonstrates how great is the power by which God wrests victory from defeat, and how immeasurable is our debt to redeeming love.
Interview with the Translator
Read Robert White’s reflections on years of Calvin translation, along with his assessment of the work that remains to be done here.
Table of Contents Expand ↓
Introduction...................................................................................ix
(1) The Servant of the Lord (Isa. 52:13–53:1)...............................1
(2) A Rock of Offence (Isa. 53:1–4)...............................................19
(3) Stricken for our Iniquities (Isa. 53:4–6)..................................37
(4) A Lamb to the Slaughter (Isa. 53:7–8)....................................55
(5) Seed for Many Generations (Isa. 53:9–10)..............................71
(6) The Travail of His Soul (Isa. 53:11).........................................89
(7) Our Advocate and Intercessor (Isa. 53:12)..............................107
Prayers Accompanying the Weekday Sermon.............................125
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Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on the Book of Isaiah between July 1556 and August 1559, only eleven were published in his lifetime. Seven of them are newly translated here, all on Isaiah’s Fourth Servant Song (Isa. 52:13–53:12). In a series of stunning scenes which have no parallel in prophetic literature, Isaiah delineates […]
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Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on the Book of Isaiah between July 1556 and August 1559, only eleven were published in his lifetime. Seven of them are newly translated here, all on Isaiah’s Fourth Servant Song (Isa. 52:13–53:12). In a series of stunning scenes which have no parallel in prophetic literature, Isaiah delineates […]
Joseph Wolcott (Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms) –
The present review consists of three parts: Aesthetics, Content, and Translator.
Regarding aesthetics, this little book is gorgeous. The dust jacket is well-designed. The cover itself looks really nice on the shelf. The type and format is very easy on the eyes. This is about what you’d expect from a Banner of Truth hardcover, and I mean that as a very high compliment.
The content of this book is wonderful. As a general rule, you should read the introduction of books. Robert White’s introduction here is especially helpful, giving the reader good background on Calvin’s preaching in general, the history of his sermons on Isaiah in particular, and the theology of these specific sermons on Isaiah. Once you get past the introduction and into Calvin himself, it just keeps getting better and better. Calvin was a brilliant theologian and exegete of scripture, but he was also a faithful pastor. Most people are familiar with the former but not the latter. This book is one of a growing body of work that seeks to change this unfamiliarity. It’s truly a wonderful and edifying read!
Much could be said about the translator, Robert White. I can’t comment on the quality of the translation, as I don’t know French. What’s beyond doubt for me, however, is that White is quickly asserting himself (rightly so) as one of the greats of Calvin scholarship, up there with names like Henry Beveridge and Ford Lewis Battles. Whereas Beveridge and Battles made great contributions in translating Calvin’s theological works, White has had a unique impact in his overwhelming (though not exclusive) focus on Calvin’s sermons. I commend White for his contributions, and I truly believe he will go down as one of the greats.
In short, this volume is well worth the investment. It’s a wonderful blend of theological rigor, pastoral piety, and Christological clarity.
Aaron Lee –
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