Was God’s original plan of salvation only for the Jewish people? Was the gospel’s extension to the Gentiles an afterthought? Many of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were upset when they heard Paul declare that Israel’s hope would also be offered to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28). This came as a shock to them, but extending salvation to the Gentiles was never God’s Plan B.

The Old Testament speaks numerous times of the inclusion of the nations in the salvation brought by Israel’s Messiah. One notable occasion is the promise of Isaiah 42:4, which says God’s servant will establish justice on earth and that “the islands” would put their hope in His teaching. In verse six, God promises to make His servant “a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” God’s promised servant will “open eyes that are blind,” “free captives from prison,” and “release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (v. 7).

How do we know this promised servant is Jesus? One proof is that Jesusclaimed to fulfill these promises. When John the Baptist sent messengers to ask whether Jesus was “the one who is to come” or they should “expect someone else,” Jesus answered, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Matt. 11:4–6).

The humility and gentleness of the servant’s ministry are depicted in verses 2–3. This matches Jesus’ self- description in Matthew 11:28–30. He is “gentle and humble in heart.” God, who is the creator of the whole earth and gives breath to all who are in it, has sent Jesus as a “covenant” for His people Israel, and as a “light for the Gentiles” (v. 6, see also Luke 2:32).

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