What is the meaning of Isaiah 61:1? The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me • The passage begins with the Messiah acknowledging the immediate presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah earlier foretold, “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him” (Isaiah 11:2), and at Jesus’ baptism “the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove” (Luke 3:22). • This divine anointing is not symbolic only; it is literal, confirming that everything that follows is accomplished through God’s own power (see Acts 10:38). • The Trinity is on display: the Father sends, the Spirit empowers, and the Son carries out the mission. because the LORD has anointed Me • “Anointed” identifies the Christ (“Messiah” means Anointed One). Psalm 2:2 and Acts 4:27 both connect this anointing to Jesus. • Old‐covenant kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil; the Messiah is anointed with the Spirit Himself. Hebrews 1:9 affirms, “God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond Your companions.” • This anointing declares divine approval and confers authority to carry out redemptive work. to preach good news to the poor • The “good news” is the gospel—restoration, forgiveness, and eternal life. Jesus applied these words to Himself in Luke 4:18–21, then immediately preached salvation in Galilee. • “The poor” includes: – Those materially destitute (Psalm 72:13). – The spiritually humble who know their need (Matthew 5:3). • Fulfillment came as Jesus welcomed lepers (Luke 17:11–19), tax collectors (Luke 19:1–10), and outcasts, declaring, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted • “Bind up” pictures a physician bandaging wounds. God promises, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). • Jesus personally comforted mourners (Luke 7:11–15), restored the ashamed (John 8:11), and invited all who are weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). • Every heart shattered by sin, loss, or guilt finds wholeness through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). to proclaim liberty to the captives • Captivity ultimately refers to bondage to sin and Satan (John 8:34-36). By His cross and resurrection, Jesus “led captives in His train” (Ephesians 4:8) and breaks every chain (Romans 6:18). • The message also echoed Israel’s historical release from exile (Jeremiah 34:8). The same God who opened Babylon’s gates frees souls today. • Liberty is announced, won, and guaranteed by the Messiah alone (Galatians 5:1). and freedom to the prisoners • Isaiah earlier spoke of the Servant “to open blind eyes, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon” (Isaiah 42:7). • Paul describes conversion as being turned “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). • Whether the chains are literal, emotional, or spiritual, Christ unlocks the door (Psalm 146:7; Colossians 1:13). summary The Spirit empowers, the Father anoints, and the Son proclaims and accomplishes a total rescue. Isaiah 61:1 foretells a Messiah who preaches the gospel, mends broken hearts, and liberates every captive. Jesus of Nazareth publicly embraced this mission and still fulfills it today, offering real healing and true freedom to all who trust Him. |
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