Prophecy (700-681 B.C.)
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor . . . to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion . . . Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
Fulfillment
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
Comment
The prophet Isaiah (700 – 681 B.C.) predicted that the Messiah would come preaching good news, and He did. He preached good news proclaiming that the kingdom was near (Luke 4:43) if they would respond (Luke 7:30). He told us that He had come to die for our sins (John 12:27). This is remarkable since the Israelites were looking for a military conqueror and not a teacher and preacher.