Key Bible Verse: Before John came, … the Scriptures looked forward to this present time (Matthew 11:13). Bonus Reading: Isaiah 35:5-6; 40:3; 42:2-4; 61:1

Rugged John the Baptist, roughing it in the desert, had a unique mission: to be "the great introducer," presenting Jesus, the Son of God, to Israel. Several hundred years before John was born, Isaiah prophesied he would come as a voice in the wilderness, calling the nation to prepare for Messiah's advent. Malachi also predicted (3:1) that John would be Messiah's "messenger," preparing people for His arrival.

Isaiah also explained that Messiah would bring good news to the afflicted. The Holy Spirit would empower the Messiah, who would heal the sick, bring liberty to the oppressed, and solve the suffering of sin. Isaiah announced that Messiah would not be contentious and quarrelsome; He would be gentle. He wouldn't crush people already depressed and devastated, as by the legalistic Pharisees in Jesus' time.

But how would the people know when the Messiah had come? Isaiah promised that His presence would be known by the signs He performed: He'd give sight to the blind, open the ears of the deaf, give legs to the lame, enable the dumb to shout for joy. When John the Baptist was confused and in prison, Jesus sent messengers to him, reminding him that the miracles revealed Him to be the Messiah.

—Paul Enns in Approaching God

My Response: How are Isaiah's descriptions good news for me?

Thought to Apply: If Jesus is the revelation of the heart of God, it's very good news about the nature of God.—RICHARD ROHR (Franciscan monk)

Adapted from Approaching God (Kregel, 1991) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, keep my familiarity with the trappings of Christmas from blinding me to its quiet but explosive significance.

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