Christ in the Old Testament

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3

Jesus came to “proclaim good news to the poor.” This phrase is translated a few different ways:

• “To bring good news to the afflicted” (NASB1995)
• “to encourage the poor” (NET)
• “to preach good tidings unto the meek” (KJV)

The Hebrew verb bāśar is translated as “proclaim good news”, “bring good news”, “encourage”, and “preach good tidings.” Bāśar is the act of announcing news that is especially joyful or momentous. Whether it is good news or bad news, the message being delivered is always weighty news.

The Hebrew noun ʽānāw is translated as “poor”, “afflicted”, and “meek.” This term describes people who, either by choice or circumstance, live in lowliness before God. These people are teachable and dependent on God. A few examples:

“Now Moses was a very humble (ʽānāw) man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3).

“But the meek (ʽānāw) will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Ps 37:11).

“He guides the humble (ʽānāw) in what is right
    and teaches them his way” (Ps 25:9).

So what is this good news that Jesus came to proclaim?

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:14-15).

The good news that Jesus came to proclaim was that his kingdom had come. Jesus proclaimed lots of other good news that would coincide with his kingdom coming. But make no mistake, the good news that Jesus proclaimed was that he was the King and he has come to establish his kingdom.

Jesus ushered in his kingdom when he was born into the world. If we follow him, we are welcomed into his kingdom. His kingdom is beyond comparison. Jesus fills our every need in his kingdom.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬)

Today’s Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your good news. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.