Day 22 : Isaiah 61

Read Isaiah 61

Helpful Background Information:  

• Isaiah 61 talks about the mission of the Messiah, which Jesus fulfills. Jesus read this passage in a synagogue and announced that He is the one it talks about (Luke 4:16-21). It says the Spirit of the Lord is on the Messiah to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, free captives, and comfort those who mourn. This passage shows that Jesus came to bring joy and freedom, replacing mourning with celebration, much like He explained in Mark 2:18-22 with the analogy of the bridegroom and the new wine.

• Isaiah 61 also mentions that the Messiah will rebuild and restore what has been broken down. This is similar to Jesus bringing new life and a new way of living. He didn't come to just “patch up” old religious traditions; He brought something completely new. 

Reflection Questions: 

• When Jesus read this passage in the temple, he stopped reading right before mentioning "the day of vengeance of our God." Why do you think Jesus did that? Is that “day of vengeance” still coming?

• Isaiah 61 describes the mission of the Messiah to bring good news and rejoicing. How does Jesus fulfill this in Mark 2:18-22?

• Verses 4-7 in Isaiah 61 describe the actions of God’s people when they are empowered by the Spirit and the Messiah. Make a list of these actions. What do they do?