How does Isaiah 35:4 connect with Jesus' role as Savior in the Gospels? The Promise in Isaiah 35:4 Isaiah 35:4: “Say to those with anxious hearts: ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.’” • Strength for fearful hearts • God Himself arriving • A dual mission—vengeance and salvation God Himself Comes to Save • John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” • Matthew 1:23—Immanuel, “God with us.” The prophecy of God personally showing up is met in Jesus, God in human flesh. Jesus’ Very Name Signals Salvation • Matthew 1:21—“You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” • Luke 2:11—“Today…a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!” “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves,” echoing Isaiah’s “He will come to save you.” Miracles That Mirror Isaiah 35:5-6 • Blind see (John 9; Mark 10:46-52) • Deaf hear (Mark 7:31-37) • Lame walk (Mark 2:1-12; John 5:1-9) • Mute speak (Matthew 9:32-33) Luke 7:22—Jesus points to these signs when asked if He is the promised One, effectively saying, “Isaiah 35 is happening.” Vengeance and Salvation Held Together • Salvation now—John 3:17 • Judgment later—John 5:22; Matthew 25:31-46 At the cross Jesus bears the vengeance our sin deserved (Isaiah 53:5-6), offering mercy today while reserving final judgment for His return (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The Cross and Empty Tomb: Ultimate Fulfillment • Romans 3:25-26—God’s justice satisfied • John 19:30—“It is finished.” • Matthew 28:6—“He has risen!” In His death and resurrection Jesus fully accomplishes the salvation Isaiah foretold. Living in the Light of the Fulfilled Promise • “Be strong, do not fear”—still our call because the Savior has already come (Hebrews 2:14-15). • He continues opening blind eyes—both physical and spiritual—and will return with perfect justice and everlasting joy (Revelation 22:12). |
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