The Servant Brings Freedom & Restoration

The Servant brings freedom & Restoration: Isaiah 61:1-4, 62:1-5

     Introduction

     The Lord's Anointed One:

          His Mission        (v.1)

          His Mandate      (v.2-3)

          Our Ministry      (v.4)

     The Lord's Announcement:

          New Motive       (v.1)

          New Name         (v.2)

          New Identity      (v.3-5)

Discipleship group questions

Launching questions

• Reread Isaiah 61:1-4; 62:1-5 out loud together. What do you remember most from the teaching on Sunday? What stood out to you as you read through these texts this time?
• What do we learn about the "Anointed One" from Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:18-21? Why do you think Jesus chose to read this text on this occasion?
• Review the Jubilee in Leviticus 25. What is the significance of the expression "Year of the Lord's favor"? How is this picture of the "year of the Lord's favor" seen in Isaiah 61:1-3a?

Encourage

• Read Isaiah 61:1-4. How is the plight of people enslaved in Satan's dark kingdom pictured in the words in these verses? What lavish gifts of grace does Jesus give to his people?
• Read Isaiah 61:1-3. Underline the word "instead". How would God’s favor change His people?
• Read Isaiah 62:4-5. How does the fact that Christ delights in His church encourage you? In what specific ways have you experienced God's transforming favor described as freedom, release, comfort, provision, beauty, gladness or praise?

Challenge

• Describe the rebuilt cities and their inhabitants (verses 4-7).
• Read Isaiah 62:4-5. What does it mean in the Bible when God gives someone a new name? How do these new names reflect a major shift in Israel's reputation in the eyes of the world?
• Read Isaiah 62:1-3, which phrases speak about Israel being a light to all the nations? In what specific way is God calling you to be a "light" to the nations (workplace, home, etc.)?