These are such interesting chapters because they really showcase a certain element of Jesus that I really love: Jesus was incredibly controversial. His teachings, his interactions with people, the type of people he chose to rub shoulders with all send the message that his teaching and ministry was different than anyone else. He came to really seek and save the lost, the people who really needed help, those who had no hope other than to be delivered by the Deliverer.

How fitting that we are moving from Isaiah, where the prophecy of the coming Messiah was recorded, to John where we see some of those predictions coming true!

I love how the Gospel (Good News) of John starts – “In the beginning…” (if you like getting a head start on future readings, you just did! Check out Genesis 1:1). I put two exclamation points in the margin of verse 3 – “through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Did you catch that? NOTHING!! All the colors of the world, ethnic groups, medical procedures, flowers, oceans, spices, technology – all has been created by Him.

If you are able, watch the video and listen to “Spirit of the Sovereign Lord” by Theway Church Ministries. 

Isaiah 61 is one of my favorite passages. Isaiah is speaking prophetically (about 700 years prior to the fulfillment), and we read in Luke 4:18-19 when Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 with such authority that all eyes are fastened on him. Jesus then told the synagogue, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” It is an extraordinary passage, declaring healing for the brokenhearted, freedom for the captives, bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes.  (This is particularly meaningful as ashes symbolized mourning or repentance – Jesus was saying NOW is the time to trade in the ashes!)