warm-up

What is one word that people would use to describe you? Why?

Has someone made a promise to you that they fulfilled? Tell us about it.

How do you befriend those who are different from you?

word

1There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:1,2

The Book of Isaiah was written for the Israelites, God’s people, when they were experiencing oppression from their enemy, the Assyrian army. It contains the message of God—warnings, promises, blessings, curses, words of comfort, and reminders—for His people as spoken through the Prophet Isaiah. The most important of these writings are the prophecies about the Messiah who would save Israel and consequently all of mankind—Jesus. Today, we will look at how the Prophet Isaiah foretold certain details of Jesus, the wise King.

1
The King who was promised.

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1

(Read also 2 Samuel 7:12,13.)

As the Assyrian army was advancing against them, the sovereignty and identity of the nation of Israel was being threatened. Through Isaiah, God reminded them of His promise to David: “I will raise up your offspring and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” This branch from Jesse was a promise of hope and security to the Israelites of a coming King whose kingdom would have no end. This promise is extended to us today, who are not Jews. What does Romans 15:12 say about David’s offspring? What does this promise mean for us today?

2
The King who judges wisely.

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

(Read also Isaiah 11:3,4.)

In the time of the Israelites, one of the king’s roles is as judge, determining whether a person accused of a crime will be set free or imprisoned. Through Isaiah, God assured Israel that the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon the promised King, giving Him wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Because of this, He will judge not as man does, based on appearance and hearsay, but with righteousness and justice. How can the way we live change knowing that God focuses on our heart rather than our outward appearance?

3
The King who saves gloriously.

10In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. 11In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people . . . Isaiah 11:10,11

While this King is righteous and just, Isaiah prophesied that nations would be drawn to Him and that He would bring back those who remain of His people who were scattered in different parts of the globe. This is a picture of deliverance and salvation for His people, not from the physical oppression they were facing, but from the bondage of sin. And He is extending this salvation to all nations. Share the testimony of how Jesus has set you free from the bondage of sin.

application

Have you put your whole trust in Jesus, the wise King who judges righteously? Would you like to do so today?

What are two practical steps you can take this week to rely more on the wisdom of God?

Who among those around you need to seek Jesus’ wisdom for a particular situation? How can you encourage this person to rely on Jesus this week?

prayer

Thank God for sending Jesus, the promised King who judges wisely and saves gloriously. Thank Him that while He is a great King, He is also the God who desires to relate with us personally.

Pray that like God, you will not focus on appearance or hearsay when it comes to relating with people. Pray for the grace to see others the way God sees them, with love and compassion.

Ask God to show you how you can take part in His plan to bring salvation to the nations.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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