Week 8: The Messiah Who Proclaims Good News to All Isaiah 61 Hook Main Point: Jesus comes in the power of the Spirit to free His people from sin, restore them to God, and bring abundant joy. Back in 2016, a Canadian woman won a year of free pizza from Domino s pizza. 1 She claimed the moment made her the happiest she s ever felt, even describing the year of pizza as a reason to forego marriage and bring a name change to her social media presence. She asked to now and forever be called the Pizza Queen. While a year of pizza is reason to celebrate and much of this woman s antics are meant to be silly and fun, Isaiah s message in Isaiah 61 reveals a very real and eternally celebratory period of salvation, joy, and peace far exceeding all the pizza in the world. In announcing the year of the Lord s favor (Isaiah 61:2), Isaiah conveys a day when burdens are lifted, sins are forgiven, and relationships are restored. Rather than playfully rejecting marriage like the Canadian pizza 1 Alison Lynch, I ve Reached My Ultimate Happiness Says Winner of a Year s Free Domino s Pizza, Metro, 19 January 2016, http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/19/ive-reached-my-ultimatehappiness-says-girl-after-winning-free-dominos-pizza-for-a-year-5631293/.
winner, Isaiah uses marital imagery to convey a time when the Messiah brings ultimate happiness to His people. If you could win a year of free anything, what would it be and why? What would you do with a year of free pizza? Eat it? Share it?
Week 8: The Messiah Who Proclaims Good News to All Isaiah 61 Book Main Point: Jesus comes in the power of the Spirit to free His people from sin, restore them to God, and bring abundant joy. Text Summary: Isaiah 61 Isaiah draws our attention to the wonderful work of the Messiah as He binds up broken hearts and heals our souls. As we walk in this freedom, our relationship with God grows and we are drawn up in songs of praise to Him alone. Through Christ, God replaces our sin and shame with righteousness and grace. Isaiah 61:1 4 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus binds up our broken hearts and frees us to serve Him with joy. Isaiah 61 describes a future time of God s favor over His people and the individual who will usher in that time of peace and joy. Quite simply, Jesus must suffer and rise again. In fact, Jesus knew that Isaiah s vision of a suffering Messiah was to be fulfilled in Him. 2 Jesus Himself read from this passage of Isaiah when announcing His place as Messiah and King (Luke 4:16 21). In Isaiah 61, God reveals His plan for a Spirit-led anointed One who would arise and work God s purposes in the world. 3 In verse 1, Isaiah lays the foundation for the rest of this chapter, rooting the message and authority of the messenger in God alone. God s Spirit rests with authority on God s chosen servant, the Messiah, and this Messiah will bring relief to those in desperate need of salvation. The way Isaiah describes the the presence of the Spirit on the Messiah (v. 1) brings to mind imagery from Jesus baptism. For instance, Luke s account provides both a description ( bodily form like a dove ) and a confirmation ( the Holy Spirit descended ) of the Spirit s presence in Jesus life and ministry (Luke 3:22). Taken together, the gospels reaffirm and expand Isaiah s proclamation of a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led Messiah directly fulfilled in the life and work of Jesus. The message of redemption and restoration flows from God s presence, not from human power (v. 1). God intends for His people to live joyful, exuberant lives as those redeemed and set free through His plan of redemption. The Messiah brings good news to the poor; He brings a message of restoration and provision flowing from God s gracious hand. The Messiah binds up the brokenhearted; He gives more than empty words. The Messiah makes a tangible difference 2 Barry G. Webb, The Message of Isaiah (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1997), 234. 3 Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 231.
in our daily struggle, bringing real change even in the midst of our deepest hurts. The Messiah proclaims liberty and freedom; He breaks the chains of oppression, sin, and shame. Some translations note the opening of prison to those who are bound as the opening of the eyes to those who are blind (v. 1). Considering both translations taken together, we begin to understand the Messiah changes the very way we look at the world. The Messiah opens our life to joy and freedom. In fact, Jesus work of opening blind eyes and freeing the spiritual oppressed becomes an identifying marker of His identity as Messiah (cf. Luke 9:18 23). In verse 2, Isaiah references the year of the Lord s favor, certainly alluding to the year of Jubilee established in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 25:1 4; 8 10) when the land rested from planting or harvesting; slaves were freed from bondage; and Israelite land ownership returned to the original Mosaic distributions. In short, all things were set right in the eyes of God. For us today, we see God setting things right not simply in land laws or commands for agricultural responsibility. We see the year of Jubilee finding ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the One who sets all things right in God s power and for God s glory. Isaiah s message builds out the dual sense of judgment on the unrepentant and comfort for all those who live in faithful expectation of God s salvation (v. 2). Even as Jesus Himself reads from Isaiah 61, He pauses His reading in the middle of Isaiah 1:2, stopping at the word favor (cf. Luke 4:16 21). In doing so, He reveals His first advent comes as a time of comfort, restoration, and gracious favor revealed in his redemptive work on the cross for His people. Yet, Jesus pause also confirms there is a second advent yet to come when He will return as judge over all things. In both advents, God reveals His intent on setting all things right through His chosen servant. God s favor on His people also indicates sure judgment for those who reject His purposes (v. 2). Isaiah expands on the wonderful gifts offered in the coming Messiah. The Messiah grants beauty where once there were only ashes; He brings abundant life when all seems lost (v. 3)! Jesus takes our nothing and gives us everything, opening our life to serve Him alone. The Messiah pours out joy and gladness like oil, lifting our hearts to praise (v. 3). In His strength, God s people are planted like an oak tree, strong and sure, with a future secured in the Messiah. Like David s language in Psalm 1, the righteous will be planted and secure by the flowing streams of water granted by God s gracious presence. Ultimately, the Messiah makes of His people what they cannot make of themselves. 4 God s people lived life in the ruins of sin experienced across generations, but God rewrites our story in the power of grace and forgiveness (v. 4). He rebuilds what was lost and restores what was broken, all for His glory. Why is it important to connect God s favor with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to experience God s favor without accepting the work of Jesus? 4 John N. Oswalt, Isaiah (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010), 650.
What burdens or struggles in life seem to be too much for God? How does Isaiah remind us of God s plans in the midst of our pain? Isaiah 61:5-7 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus opens us to genuine fellowship with the triune God. Isaiah continues his message of restoration and peace in verses 5 7. On the back of a promise for restored homes and rebuilt cities in verse 4, God reveals a promise for subverting and undoing the oppressive presence of foreign powers (v. 5). In contrast to the conquest and domination Israel experienced at the hand of foreign kings and kingdoms, the year of God s favor reveals a time when foreign powers will come to serve and restore the land, a time filled with material and spiritual renewal. 5 In verses 5 6, we see how God will completely reverse the effects of sinful rebellion. Instead of foreign kingdoms dragging God s people out of the land of Israel, the foreign powers would enter the land to tend and keep the earth. Instead of God s people experiencing the shame of exile, the foreign powers would occupy a lower social status of service in the land ( shepherds, plowmen, and vinedressers ). Instead of foreign powers ruling and standing in power over God s people, Israel lives as priests of the Lord and ministers of our God, occupying a special status before God and finally fulfilling His plan for Israel to act as a light among the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Instead of Israel s working to build the wealth and fame of the nations, God brings in the abundance of the nations to the people (v. 6). Even more than a physical renewal, Isaiah s language emphasizes the spiritual health of the people as they embrace covenant faithfulness. He points to a future people who live as priests and ministers of God, people drawn from every nation emphasizing a purity that opens them to live in God s presence. In contrast to the Mosaic code s extensive requirements for Levitical priests to fulfill their duties (cf. Leviticus 21), God s reveals a renewed status for all of God s people. Out of God s goodness, every believer lives in purity, not because of personal worth or birthright but because of Jesus perfect sacrifice. In verse 7, Isaiah returns to the restoration language of verse 3. Israel experienced great shame and dishonor when they were exiled from the land. In contrast to this shame, the year of God s favor revealed in the Messiah brings abundant blessing and favor. God s people move from dishonor to a double portion, the inheritance of the firstborn son. 6 How do people today seek physical or spiritual renewal? How is this different from what Isaiah describes? 5 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 233. 6 Oswalt, Isaiah, 650.
Do we experience the perfect renewal described by Isaiah? Why or why not? What reasons do people give for not getting along with friends, coworkers, or neighbors? How does Jesus presence in our life make a difference in these relationships? Isaiah 61:8 9 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus replaces our shame and guilt with true repentance and holy confidence. Isaiah 61:1 7 gives a stirring description of life lived through the restorative power of the coming Messiah. But it isn t until verse 8 that Isaiah grants some deeper insight on God s intent for saving and redeeming His people. Such structuring ought not surprise us, but remind us that we serve a God of grace. Our God always acts first, reaches out to us first, and only by His grace are we given a glimpse into His purpose behind it all. If verses 1 7 declare what God will do, verse 8 gives a glimpse into why God will do what He plans. Verse 8 reminds us of what kind of God we serve. God loves justice and He hates sin. This has never changed and will never change. Furthermore, Isaiah reminds the people of the covenant basis for their relationship with God, leaving the people to consider how they will ever satisfy the holy demands of a righteous God fully capable and justified in condemning sin (v. 8). Yet, Isaiah comforts the people by revealing a God not simply of judgment and reckoning but also of grace and mercy. Through the faithful Messiah, the God who loves justice and faithfulness now brings these same qualities into the lives of His people. 7 Indeed, God will judge sin and hold mankind culpable, but a covenant relationship with the people will serve as the basis for bringing abundant blessing (vv. 8 9). This covenant relationship draws our minds forward to the new covenant sealed in the body and blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:19 20). Instead of shame, guilt, and judgment, God s people experience fruitfulness extending far beyond any national border or ethnic identity. The Gospel is for all peoples. The message of forgiveness restores God s children to faithfulness and this story spreads to all the nations (v. 9). Greater still, our restoration draws attention to God, not to ourselves. When the nations look in on the freedom and blessing experienced by God s people, they acknowledge only God could accomplish such restoration. What is your source of confidence and peace when you struggle with sin or frustration? How does the world handle shame or guilt? Where do most people go or what do most people do when they feel ashamed? What does God s Word tell us to do? Isaiah 61:10-11 [Read] 7 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 233.
Sub-Point: Jesus lifts our hearts to vibrant worship as we reject sin and seek justice and righteousness. In the final verses of Isaiah 61, the prophet himself joins in the chorus of praise and expectant joy at the promises revealed in the Messiah. Isaiah points to the sure hope found in God alone who has worked salvation for His people (v. 10). Worship is the only fitting response to God s great salvation, an example we see throughout Scripture. Moses and Miriam respond in songs of praise when recounting the Lord s miraculous intervention for Israel in the face what seemed to be sure destruction at the hands of the Egyptian army (Exodus 15:1 21). David raises songs of praise at God s wonderful works in salvation and creating (Psalm 65). Mary and Elizabeth respond in joyful exaltation at the fulfilled promises finally revealed in the births of their children, Jesus and John the Baptist (Luke 1:39 80). The apostle Paul points to the Gospel as the source of lasting gratitude leading to singing and rejoicing (Colossians 3:16). Isaiah s voice harmonizes perfectly in the song of salvation affirmed in all of Scripture and practiced by all of God s people. Isaiah uses language of a wedding to illustrate the change of status received under the covenant promises of God (v. 10). 8 Much like Paul s illustration in the New Testament (cf. Ephesians 4:22 24), Isaiah describes salvation and true righteousness as clothing or a robe that God wraps around His people. The giving of clothing or garments represented a sign of favor repeated in other Old Testament narratives such as the story of Joseph (Genesis 37:3) as well as David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:4). In much greater fashion, God grants His people eternal favor through the gracious gift of salvation. Rather than living exposed or vulnerable, God wraps His children in the loving gifts of the Gospel, providing protection and peace. Isaiah s example expands to the language of bride and bridegroom sharing in the joyful covenant union of marriage (v. 10). Just as a bridegroom would show favor to his bride through lavish gifts and priceless jewels, so God s people are adorned with the magnificent prize of salvation and restoration. The bridegroom gives selflessly and abundantly to the one whom he loves. So God grants special favor and grace to the people He has chosen and redeemed for Himself. Thus, Isaiah closes this chapter by conveying the outworking of this marvelous gift, likening the outworking of God s grace to a field overflowing with lush plants and delicious fruit (v. 11). As God grants grace and righteousness to His people through the promised Messiah, He causes His people to flourish in true righteousness and praise. Out of this life of worship, God s people reject sin and seek justice as a display of God s glory among the nations. What kinds of people or things do you see the world praising or pointing out as worthy of our attention? What makes these people or things worthy of such attention? 8 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 234.
How does our worship reflect the source of our sense of purpose and joy? Can we worship things we don t really value? Why or why not?
Week 8: The Messiah Who Proclaims Good News to All Isaiah 61 Took Main Point: Jesus comes in the power of the Spirit to free His people from sin, restore them to God, and bring abundant joy. Even though a year of free pizza would be fantastic, the year of the Lord s favor reveals an even greater time of joy and happiness. Through the Spirit-filled Messiah, Jesus, God brings salvation and grace to His children. He restores our souls, lifts up our hearts, and draws us up in worship. Consider these ways to live out the grace granted in Jesus Christ. Challenges Embrace the Gospel. Isaiah draws our attention to the power of the Gospel to change our lives. Jesus brings true repentance, deep healing, and ultimate purpose to our whole existence. Don t reject the message of hope found in Jesus or look to other things to heal your life. Pray to God today and thank Him for Jesus, asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith in your Savior. If you are struggling or feel God is far away, connect with your pastor or another spiritual leader who can walk you through God s precious promises for healing and restoration through Jesus Christ. Read and reread God s words of hope in Scripture, meditating on the powerful grace revealed there. Engage the world. The Gospel isn t simply for one person or group of people. God s message revealed to us by Isaiah points to God s heart for the entire world. Don t hide away from the world but confidently tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers just what God has done for you and what God wants to do in them. God has a good plan for this world, and He has given us all we need. Continually pray for His strength and work with your fellow believers to lovingly participate in the world. Exalt God in worship. All of life is worship. It s just a question of who or what we are worshipping. Take a moment to honestly, prayerfully examine the deep loves of your heart. Are you worshipping God today or are you holding another person or some other thing as more important? Remind yourself of how God has forgiven your impossible sin-debt in His Son. Rejoice in forgiveness! Tell others the ways God sustains you through difficult times or in the midst of trying circumstances. Rejoice in sustaining grace!