Isaiah 61

The Dec. 9th Bible study was led by the Rev'd Todd Bryant, Associate Rector

Today we look at Isaiah 61 and Jesus’ corresponding quotation of Isaiah 61 in Luke 4. Jesus says, “This spirit of the Lord is upon me”. These ancient words set in motion his gospel ministry. For Luke, it is important that Jesus uses Isaiah 61, because its post-exilic focus has the character of hope in the face of disappointment. Luke sees Jesus as the fulfillment of the imperative to bring, “good news to the poor, release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor” (Isa 61:1-2)… no matter what.

Jesus probably used these words because he sensed the prophet(s) thinking, “We started out with dreams of the righteous king (Chaps 1-39) We kept hope alive in the exile (Chap 40-55) and now that we are back home we struggle to hope (Chaps 56-66). Jesus knew that a struggle was ahead of him. His vision for the Kingdom was full of reordered priorities. Whenever one starts rearranging things one should expect some flack and struggle.

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry has a different tone in Matthew. Matthew’s Jesus begins his ministry (chap 4) with the Isaiah 9 quotation: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” (Mt 4:15/ Isa 9:2). This light is the true King, Jesus. Kingship is a strong theme in Matthew.

I want you to see that the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry are different for Matthew and Luke. Matthew focuses on Jesus as the true, heavenly Hezekiah (the king that the prophet hoped would stave off the exile (First Isaiah). Luke would probably not disagree with the characterization but his focus was different. Luke’s Jesus fulfilled the imperative as “God with us” more than the “God above us” in Matthew. Some see one as less relevant than the other, but I think the Christian life needs to be empowered by the God above and with.

Where does your vision start? There is not a right answer. Does the great need of the world inspire you to action? Or does the Kings of Kings thrill your heart? We are all on a journey toward God. Some of us resonate with different images. What is yours? Does you vision come from gazing to heaven or by gazing into the eyes of your brothers and sisters? Both have power. The only requirement is “just do it”. Let your vision take you where it will. Vision inspired action mixes heaven and earth to God’s greater glory.