Seven Quotations from the Book of Isaiah concerning the Messiah and Confirmation from New Testament Witnesses that these were fulfilled by Yeshua.
The New Testament witness statements which we will draw are of course the Gospels and Epistles of those who were with Yeshua during His earthly ministry.
The first quotation from Isaiah, is pronounced by him on behalf of Messiah.
Isaiah 61: 1 and 2.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to teach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord …”
In the first sentence of this quotation, we see all three persons of the Tri-une Godhead. God would anoint Messiah through the Holy Spirit. This part of the Book of Isaiah comprises the fifth “Servant Song” and concerns Messiah’s mission.
The Servant refers to Adonai as “Lord”. He had uniquely received “the Spirit of God” to bring a message of healing and reconciliation. That He was “anointed” signifies that He was more than a prophet: only kings and High Priests were anointed.
Messiah’s ministry would concern the bringing of the “good news” of salvation “to the poor” (I.e., the humble), to those in distress, and to “captives” (I.e., those in bondage to the wicked or to wickedness in general).
As we have seen, Isaiah foretells that the ministry of Messiah will be to society’s downtrodden who will seek His healing work.
To compare this prophecy with the work of Yeshua, we draw on the witness statements of Mark and Matthew.
Mark 10: 1.
“Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.”
We see here that the “multitudes” gathered to Him. This must have included all sections of society. Some prophets and teachers appealed the society’s elites. But Yeshua addressed the downtrodden and taught them about God’s love and the way of salvation.
Our second witness is Matthew.
Matthew 4: 23 – 25.
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him …”
The purpose of His healings and miracles was to draw people to Him and His message. As in Mark, we have evidence from Matthew that large sections of the population came to Him. In this section of Matthew, we see the first use of the term “gospel” referring of course to the good news of salvation. Yeshua’s work was targeted those who needed encouragement because of their plight in life; to those who were prisoners of sin and spiritually blind.
Yeshua came to deal with the enormous problems which have affected humanity throughout history: poverty (Yeshua preach to the poor); bondage (He preached liberty to the captives of sin); suffering (He came to recover the sight of those who were blind both physically and spiritually); and oppression (He came to set at liberty those who were oppressed).
Therefore, our New Testament witnesses do indeed show that Yeshua does heal the wounds of “the broken-hearted”. He came to proclaim “the acceptable year of the Lord” I.e., the dawning of a new age for the sorrowful of the world.
Isaiah foretold that Messiah would have a ministry of healing.
Isaiah 35: 5 – 6.
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.”
Isaiah 42: 18.
“Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see.”
Looking at these two quotations, we see that Isaiah is referring to both physical and spiritual healing. The people of Israel were “deaf” because they would not listen to the Lord. And “blind” because they would not see their own spiritual blindness. The “opening” of eyes would reverse the spiritual blindness against which Isaiah was working. Healing will come with Messiah. His first Advent will bring a foretaste of Israel’s eventual restoration. Israel was to be God’s representative in the world, but the people proved to be unfaithful.
The second part of Chapter 35, verse 6 (“For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”) refers to the Millenium kingdom. There will be an increase in the fertility of the land. Water will be plentiful and there will be the presence of the Lord in glory and excellence. Every type of disability will be removed.
But, of course, our witnesses can only write about Our Lord’s first Advent which they observed personally. We can draw on the witness statements of Matthew and James to show Yeshua’s healing ministry.
In Mattheew chapter 11, when John the Baptist enquired if indeed Yeshua was the Messiah, Matthew quotes the words of Yeshua as confirmation of the accuracy of what is said.
Matthew 11: 2 – 6.
“And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Matthew quotes Yeshua’s words because he knows that what is being said is true; he was seen both physical and spiritual healing.
Yeshua’s answered John by reminding him that He was performing miracles predicted of Messiah: the blind see; the lame walk etc. Interestingly, the raising of the dead was not prophesied by Isaiah; this was a greater miracle than those predicted.
Yeshua also reminded John that the gospel was being preached to the poor. Most religious leaders concentrated on the leaders of society – the wealthy and the aristocrats. Yeshua brought good news (spiritual healing) to the poor who greatly needed it. And indeed, God’s blessing fell on those who had the spiritual insight to recognise Him as the promised Messiah.
Of course, Yeshua continues to heal long after the end of His earthly ministry.
James 5: 14 – 15.
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick and the >Lord will raise him up.”
Of course, this practice continues to this day.
Our New Testament witnesses, Matthew and James, confirm that Yeshua’s ministry was most certainly about physical and spiritual healing.
Isaiah foretold that Messiah would minister in the Galilee.
Isaiah 9: 1 and 2.
“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”
This part of the Book of Isaiah is a bit complicated. In chapter 8, Isaiah predicted the invasion of the Northern Kingdom (the Galilee, the ancient lands of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali) by Assyria. He foretold the destruction of Syria and Ephraim. Judah would only be partially destroyed. After all this oppression a great light would come to Galilee. This is God incarnate, the Messiah who will provide great relief after years of oppression.
Again, the witness statement of Matthew provides the evidence that Yeshua did indeed minister in Galilee. There is also confirmation in Mark chapter 1 and Luke chapter 4.
Matthew 4: 12 and 13, 17.
“Now when Jesus had heard that had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which nis by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali … From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Having heard that John had been imprisoned, Yeshua set out for Galilee. But note, this was not an act of running away from trouble. The Galilee was at the heart of the kingdom of Herod, the man who had imprisoned John.
Capernaum, located at the north end of the Sea of Galilee became His home and centre of operations. This area was originally inhabited by the peoples of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Thus indeed, our New Testament witness clearly shows that Yeshua ministered in the Galilee.
Isaiah foretold that Messiah would be tender and compassionate.
Isaiah 40: 11
“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.”
In this chapter, Isaiah foretells the Babylonian exile. But these verses form part of the “Book of Comfort” written 150 years before the time of Cyrus who permitted the return of exiles to Judea.
Isaiah is promising these future exiles that they will return to Jerusalem where God would meet the with His “Suffering Servant”; the very One who would become a great king for them.
In the ancient world, an ideal king was often depicted as a shepherd. The good shepherd exercises the greatest care of his sheep especially the most vulnerable (I.e., the lambs and the pregnant ewes). This is a picture of God’ goodness to those who acknowledge Him.
Isaiah 42: 3
“A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.”
At His coming Messiah’s tender compassion will be seen.
The phrase “a bruised reed He will not break” represents His care for the poor and needy. A poor shepherd would make a simple musical instrument out of a reed. But if the reed broke it was useless and would be thrown away. But Messiah will discard no-one who comes to Him among the poor and needy. In fact, Messiah will mend and restore.
The phase “a smoking flax He will not quench” refers to the use of flax as a wick for a lamp giving light for poor people. If it began to smoke, it wasn’t producing light efficiently and it would be discarded. This phrase represents those who have almost lost their faith and hope in God (the light has nearly gone). Messiah will free the spiritually poor from darkness. He will not quench the smallest flicker of faith; indeed, with Messiah it will burst into life.
Thus, Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would be tender and compassionate towards the poor and the spiritually poor by restoring and enlightening them.
So, let us look at the witness statements of Matthew and John to see how Yeshua’s ministry matched up.
Matthew 12: 14 – 17.
“Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known … “
As violent opposition to the person of Yeshua grew, He quietly “withdrew”. But He certainly did not cease ministering to those in need. Huge crowds gather to Him and “He healed them all.” He did not avoid the danger of being involved in such gatherings.
But He charged them not to publicise His miracles. He did this, not to shield Himself from physical danger, but to avoid unintentionally developing some sort of fickle movement which wanted to make Him into some sort of revolutionary leader to fight against the occupying forces (Rome).
Yeshua’s revolution was aimed at the hearts of people, and He had a schedule to keep. His revolution would not be completed by the shedding of Roman blood but by the shedding of His own blood.
He would not trample the dispossessed or underprivileged to achieve His goal. He would encourage and strengthen the broken-hearted. He would fan even the spark of faith into a flame. His humble, loving care would not be extinguished by the hatred and ingratitude of men.
Our second New Testament witness is John who in the following passage confirms Yeshua’s attitude of tenderness and compassion by quoting His own words.
John 10: 11, 14 – 15.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep … I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold, them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
There is nothing that the good shepherd will not do for His sheep – even to the point of giving up His life. In normal life the “grassroots” ae expected to give up their lives for their leaders (“King and Country” etc.) But with Yeshua, He has the same intimate relationship with His sheep as He has with His Father.
The sheep “not of this fold” are of course the Gentiles. This verse anticipates the formation of the Church populated by Jews and Gentiles together; one spiritual body united in Him.
Thus, we see from our witnesses that Yeshua fulfilled Isaiah’s depiction of Messiah as acting in tenderness and compassion. His greatest gift to His sheep came through His sacrificial death which opened heaven to those who believe in Him.
Isaiah foretold that Messiah would conduct Himself in a meek and unostentatious manner.
Isaiah 42:2
“He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.”
Isaiah foresaw that at His first Advent, Messiah work to save with a quiet and submissive demeanour. The Hebrew term rendered “cry out” means to cry out in distress. Messiah would not be full of complaints or angst even when rejected and opposed. The phrase, “nor cause His voice to be heard in the street” suggests the same idea but also that He would not be a rabble-rouser or a barrack-room lawyer.
To consider Yeshua’s ministry in this regard, we will turn to the witness statements of Matthew and Peter. Again, Matthew gives confirmation of the truth of Yeshua’s words by quoting Him.
Matthew 11: 28 – 30
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The use of the term “Come” is a gentle invitation to believe and receive; come and accept the gift of eternal life through Yeshua.
Yeshua said, “Come to Me”. This is a personal invitation. He is inviting people to Himself, not to an institution or a set of doctrines.
He is quietly appealing to “all of you who labour and are heavily laden”; to those who are burdened by sin and the demands of the Law. Only those who are lost can be saved; repentance leading to faith. The invitation is for salvation and for service to be received: “learn from Me” and “find rest”.
This passage echoes the first of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3). Those likely to respond are those burdened by their own spiritual bankruptcy and the weight of trying to keep the Law. Salvation through Yeshua is a sovereign work of God for those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty.
Our second New Testament witness is Peter.
1 Peter 2: 23
“… (Yeshua) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
Yeshua resisted being pressed into the rabbinic view of what Messiah should be (a powerful conquering hero). He was incredibly patient when persecuted. When blamed, He did not answer back aggressively. When accused, He did not defend Himself violently.
So humble was He, that self-justification never entered His life. No angry words or threatening words were used against those who attacked Him. He could bear up under such hideous, unprovoked abuse as He trusted God, “who judges righteously.”
Thus, Matthew and Peter provide telling evidence that Yeshua in His meek and unostentatious manner fully fulfilled that which Isaiah prophesised about Messiah.
Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would bear the reproaches of others.
Isaiah 53: 11 and 12.
“He shall see the labour of His soul and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors.”
Thus, Isaiah showed that Messiah “shall bear their iniquities” and “bear the sins of many”.
The use here of the term “knowledge” indicates that Messiah will know exactly what He is doing, and His actions will lead to the salvation of many. He will acquit the guilty and declare them innocent. He does this by taking on their sins and “pouring out His soul unto death”.
The one sacrifice of the Servant, Isaiah shows, will provide complete satisfaction in settling the issue of sin. Through divine knowledge of how to justify sinners, Messiah’s plan would be accomplished by His death. He would declare many righteous before God.
Vile reproaches would come upon Messiah because He insists on the honour of God. But He will “make intercession for the transgressors”.
Our New Testament witness statements of Matthew and Luke provide the evidence that Yeshua bore the reproach of others and made intercession for transgressors.
Matthew 26: 36, 39.
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “sit here, while I go and pray over there… O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will”.
Yeshua renounced self-gratification so that He could clearly represent God and His cause. Yeshua lived to please His Father; no matter the personal cost. The term “reproaches” refers to slanders, false accusations and insults. Men who hate God, manifest the same hatred toward the One He sent to reveal Himself.
Yeshua even interceded for those who abused Him so badly.
Luke 23: 34
“Then Jesus said,” Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
His tormentors were not aware of the full scope of the wickedness they were committing. They were blinded to the light of divine truth. Still, their ignorance does not mean that they deserve forgiveness. Yet, Yeshua’s prayer for them, whilst they were in the very act of mocking and killing Him, is an expression of the boundless compassion of divine grace.
Yeshua died for our sins that we could escape deserved punishment and be declared righteous. He effectively deals with the problem of man’s sin; so that we could be reconciled to God.
And thus, we can see that Yeshua bore the reproaches of others.
Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would be sinless and without guile.
Isaiah 53: 9
“And they made His grave with the wicked – but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.”
We can see in this verse from Isaiah that wicked men will plan that Messiah be buried with criminals, but that through the intervention of supporters He would be “with the rich in His death”.
Men will plot to make His death an ignominious one and His burial shameful. But this will not be allowed because “He had done no violence nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”
To examine Yeshua’s sinless nature and absence of guile, we will refer to the witness statements of Peter and John.
All four gospels describe Yeshua’s burial and the intervention of Joseph of Arimathea who provided the tomb.
Peter confirms Yeshua’s perfection.
1 Peter 2: 22
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps,” who committed no sin, nor was deceit found In His mouth.””
Yeshua was perfect in everything He did, even when He was wrongly condemned by the world. Not only were His actions perfect, so were His thoughts and attitudes.
No-one has ever been so unjustly treated as Yeshua. He bore it so patiently. He did not suffer for His own sins for He had none. His speech was never tainted with deceit. He never lied or blurred the truth. He was absolutely honest.
Thus, Peter (1 Peter 1: 19) could describe Yeshua as a “lamb without blemish”, and John stated (1 John 3: 5) stated that “in Him, there is no sin”.
Thus, the eyewitnesses in their recorded statements, confirm that Yeshua was sinless and without guile as Isaiah predicted Messiah would be.
Conclusion.
We can see that these seven prophecies concerning Messiah made by Isaiah, were fulfilled in the first Advent of Yeshua as evidenced by eyewitnesses in their recorded statements.
Messiah healed the broken-hearted; He had a ministry of healing; He ministered in the Galilee; He was tender and compassionate; He conducted Himself in a meek and unostentation manner; He bore the reproach of others; and He was sinless and without guile.