How does Isaiah 61:2 relate to Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19? Setting the Scene • Isaiah 61:2 declares two divine objectives: – “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor” – “and the day of our God’s vengeance.” • Luke 4:18-19 records Jesus reading Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue, ending with “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” He omits the phrase about “the day of vengeance.” • By stopping mid-verse, Jesus pinpoints His present mission while implicitly reserving the vengeance portion for His future return. Verse Comparisons “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn.” “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Key Connections • Shared origin: Both passages hinge on the Spirit-anointed Servant. • Common purpose: Announcing divine favor—good news, freedom, healing. • Strategic omission: Jesus leaves out “vengeance,” signaling a two-stage fulfillment. • Comfort motif: Isaiah promises comfort “to all who mourn,” reflected in Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus’ Present Focus: The Year of Favor • A season of grace and salvation—“Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Evidence in Jesus’ works: preaching (Mark 1:14-15), healing (Acts 10:38), deliverance (Luke 8:1-2). • Inclusion of all who recognize need: the poor, captives, blind, oppressed (Luke 4:18). Future Fulfillment: The Day of Vengeance • Isaiah’s “day of vengeance” aligns with Christ’s second coming (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16). • Justice completes redemption—sin judged, righteousness established (Isaiah 63:4). • Believers await this culmination while living in the present age of favor (Titus 2:11-13). Practical Takeaways • Recognize the “now” of grace—respond to Christ’s invitation today (Hebrews 3:15). • Live as beneficiaries of the Servant’s proclamation: walk in liberty, healing, and hope. • Anticipate the future day of righteous judgment with reverent readiness (2 Peter 3:11-13). Summary Isaiah 61:2 outlines a dual agenda—favor and vengeance. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus publicly inaugurates the favor portion, signaling the beginning of a grace-filled era. The withheld clause points forward to His return, when the promised day of vengeance will unfold. Until then, believers live in the blessings He announced, proclaiming that same good news to the world. |
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