Isaiah 61
Today's Passage: Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61 is a prophecy of pure hope. Isaiah speaks of several very good events that will happen:
All of this sounds amazing to a people riddled with exile, oppression, and heartache, right? This is indeed good news for not just Israel, but for us. How do we know this? Because Jesus Himself said this very thing about Himself while standing in the synagogue in Nazareth.
Luke records this in his gospel in chapter 4:14-21 (you should go read this right now!). What was prophesied by Isaiah from God some 700 years prior to Jesus’ birth was already pointed at Christ as the coming Messiah. It wasn’t just Israel and their current plight who were the recipients of this good news; it is good news for all who trust in Christ.
Jesus has come to bring good news (the gospel) to the poor (in spirit).
Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted (by being our great high priest).
Jesus has come to proclaim liberty to the captives (for we are enslaved to sin without Him).
Jesus has come to open the prison to those who are bound (resurrection power!)
Jesus has come to proclaim His own favor (to Him be the glory for it all).
Jesus has come to comfort those who mourn (by promising an eternal dwelling without tears).
So when we come to passages like Isaiah 61, it reminds us to look ahead (no, not as in skip passages like this), but forward/up to Christ who is the hope of the Old Testament and the Rescuer in the New Testament.
Here are a few questions to ponder today:
Written By: Drew Dukes
Isaiah 61 is a prophecy of pure hope. Isaiah speaks of several very good events that will happen:
- Bring good news to the poor.
- Bind up the brokenhearted.
- Proclaim liberty to the captives.
- Opening of the prison to those who are bound.
- To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
- To comfort those who mourn.
Luke records this in his gospel in chapter 4:14-21 (you should go read this right now!). What was prophesied by Isaiah from God some 700 years prior to Jesus’ birth was already pointed at Christ as the coming Messiah. It wasn’t just Israel and their current plight who were the recipients of this good news; it is good news for all who trust in Christ.
Jesus has come to bring good news (the gospel) to the poor (in spirit).
Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted (by being our great high priest).
Jesus has come to proclaim liberty to the captives (for we are enslaved to sin without Him).
Jesus has come to open the prison to those who are bound (resurrection power!)
Jesus has come to proclaim His own favor (to Him be the glory for it all).
Jesus has come to comfort those who mourn (by promising an eternal dwelling without tears).
So when we come to passages like Isaiah 61, it reminds us to look ahead (no, not as in skip passages like this), but forward/up to Christ who is the hope of the Old Testament and the Rescuer in the New Testament.
Here are a few questions to ponder today:
- How has God ministered to your broken heart?
- What sins has Jesus helped you overcome?
- What does it look like to live as free and not as a prisoner?
No Comments