Isaiah 61
Read Isaiah 61
Helpful Background Information:
Isaiah lived during the decline of Israel’s kingdom period, speaking the word of God to Israel and Judah’s leaders. At this time, the people were often referred to as “deaf and blind” (6:10). This designation came upon the people as a result of their refusal to listen to Isaiah’s warnings about the consequences of their sin. Isaiah consistently warned the people that their sin would bring God’s judgment if they did not repent.
With the warnings, however, came a message of hope. Isaiah believed that things would get worse before they got better, but that there would certainly come a day when God would fulfill all of His covenant promises. In chapter 61, Isaiah describes what will characterize the days when the LORD finally rescues and redeems His people. The good news that comes in Isaiah 61 is preceded by the message in chapters 58-60, where the promise of God’s salvation is accompanied by a call to repentance. Chapter 61, then, tells us that the proclamation is to come from God’s anointed Messiah (v.1). In the verses that follow, God’s people are told that their misfortunes will be reversed when the Messiah’s ministry begins (vv.2-4). The specific promises contained in these verses would also shape the peoples’ expectations for the coming Messiah.
In Luke 4, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee by teaching in several synagogues (vv.14-15). In His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus goes into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and picks up a scroll of the prophet Isaiah (vv.16-17). The passage He chose to read was none other than Isaiah 61:1-2. Jesus is God’s Messiah who came to proclaim good news for the poor, freedom for prisoners, sight for the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (vv.18-19).
Reflection Questions:
Who is the author of Isaiah 61 writing to? How would these words have been especially encouraging for them, given their circumstances?
What stands out to you most from the words that Jesus reads in Isaiah 61:1-2? What is the significance of Jesus launching His public ministry with these words?
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, can you think of examples where the proclamations of Isaiah 61:1-2 became true? Name as many examples as you can think of.