Isaiah 61: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 61 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Lord Yahweh’s Spirit is on His servant, who is anointed to preach good news to the humble and bind up the brokenhearted (vv. 1-2). The mission includes proclaiming liberty to captives and comforting those who mourn in Zion.

Key verse

“I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My soul will be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Isaiah 61:10 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 61:1–3 Anointing and Mission
Isaiah 61:4–6 Restoration and Blessing
Isaiah 61:7–9 Joy and Covenant
Isaiah 61:10–11 Joyful Response to Salvation

Discussion questions

In v1, what is the purpose of the Spirit being on the speaker?
What does the phrase 'garland for ashes' in v3 signify?
The mention of 'the year of Yahweh’s favor' in v2: how does this relate to themes of restoration?
In v8, what implications does Yahweh’s love for justice have for the covenant mentioned?
When have you experienced 'the oil of joy for mourning' in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 61: Luke 4, Isaiah 42, Matthew 11.

Before next time: read Isaiah 62.