Isaiah 61:1-4;8-11

Ancient lens

What's the historical context?

Living as Captives

Our text today matches, at least in part, last week’s lectionary passage (Isaiah 40). Just as in Isaiah 40, a message of comfort is given to a long-weary people living in exile.  These people are described as the “poor, brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners” (vs.1). Such a description fits well the situation of those who have been removed from their homeland, forced to work for a foreign king, regardless of their wishes.

Good News is Given

It is to these people that a proclamation of good news (gospel) is given. What is this good news? At its core it is a restoration of a community who will “rebuild…