Read Isaiah 61.
This chapter unfolds the actions of the coming Messiah and His restoration of
believing Israel. All three persons of the Trinity are present in the
first verse: The Spirit, The Lord God, the Messiah.
According to Luke 4, Jesus attended the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath.
Jesus read the Scriptures that day Isaiah 61:1-2a. Then, something unusual took place.
Even when He sat down, the people silently stared at Him. Jesus
broke the silence and said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in
your hearing."
There can be absolutely no doubt that Jesus claimed to be the long awaited
Messiah, the Son of God. The people in Luke 4 clearly understood His
claim and it angered them.
Note that Jesus did not read the entire passage but stopped in the middle of
Isaiah's declarative statements. This points to the fact that Jesus
fulfilled verses 1-2a in His first coming and the rest would take place when He
comes again.
There are seven statements of Messiah message and ministry.
1. In His first advent as Savior, He came to proclaim good news, to heal, and
free people from their spiritual bondage.
2. In His second advent as King of Kings, He will take vengeance on the enemies
of God, bringing comfort and restoration to Israel.
God's purpose is that they will serve Him and minister to the rest of the
world. They will stand as God's chosen people. "So the Lord
God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the
nations." (v.11b).
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