Jesus read the first part of this verse in the synagogue one day. Then he told everyone there that the passage had been fulfilled right there for them to see. He was claiming to be the one with the Soverign LORD's Spirit, bringing good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. (Isaiah 61:2-4 NLT)
When he claimed to be fulfilling this prophecy, they knew he was also saying that the day has finally come. They didn't have to wait any longer. God's Savior/Messiah was here. Israel would be restored. The captives would be set free. He was about to bring great blessing rather than mourning. He would revive the people of Israel after all these generations.
Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. You will be called priests of the LORD, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:5-7 NLT)
They will stop being mocked and looked down upon by the nations. Now they will be exalted because the LORD, which they serve as ministers, is God. Everyone will look up to them because they finally recognize the LORD as God.
"For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward My people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed." (Isaiah 61:8-9 NLT)
Israel would finally be seen in a positive light. God's chosen people would be rewarded for their suffering. They will finally be known again as the people the LORD has blessed. Those blessings would come through His Savior/Messiah. Jesus was claiming to be that one.
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign LORD will show His justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. (Isaiah 61:10-11 NLT)
Justice is about balancing the scales. When someone steals a dollar, then justice would be returning the dollar to the one who had it stolen. When someone rebels against God, justice would be stopping the rebellion with death. When Jesus died, God's justice was shown to the world. Sin was paid for with death. We praise Him, though, because he allowed the Savior/Messiah's death to count as punishment for our rebellion. Jesus was claiming to be this Savior/Messiah and saying he was the one whom God would clothe with salvation and righteousness.
What about you? Do you see, now, that Jesus fulfilled all these (and many more) prophecies about the Savior/Messiah? Do you believe His death can pay the price for your rebellion against God? Have you asked Him to pay the bill? Is He your Savior?
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