This week we are focusing on Isaiah 61:1-62:7. So far in Isaiah, God has laid out His case for the utter sinfulness of humanity. God will keep His covenant promise by sending His Servant to redeem His people. He alone will be able to set them free from their captivity to sin. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started.
LIMITED TIME:
- Read through Isaiah 61:1-62:7.
- Meditate on and/or journal the answers to the following questions.
- What does this passage teach me about God and His character?
- How does this aspect of God’s character change my view of myself?
- What should I do in response?
MORE TIME:
- Isaiah 61:1-2a is quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:16-21.
- What do you learn about Jesus in relation to these verses?
- What is He proclaiming and what is His mission?
- Thought question: Why do you think He stops in the middle of verses 2 of Isaiah 61?
- In Isaiah 62:6-7, Isaiah calls the people of God not to rest and to not let God rest. Why? (see also Matt 28:18-20; Romans 10:1-15)
- Why do you think preaching the good news of the gospel and persevering in prayer are important? (see also Luke 11:1-13)
GOING DEEPER (optional): For further teaching and application, do one or more of the following:
- Read chapter 44, “Revival, Preaching, and Prayer (61:1-62:7)” in Isaiah: God Saves Sinners or listen to Ray Ortlund’s sermon series on line. (Most of the sermons correspond to the chapters in his book.)
- Listen to the sermon(s) from Pastor Liam Goligher’s sermon series on Isaiah that go along with this week’s reading.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
~ James 5:16 ~