Chapter 6 Lesson 3 Isaiah

The Prophets They were spokesmen for God Often witnessed to the truth, simply calling people back to faithfulness to the covenant Sometimes the spoke about the future (what would happen if they did not obey God) The greatest work was to prepare for the coming of Christ

Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets Read, “The Prophet Isaiah” on page 43. Isaiah clearly spoke of the Messiah so that we could recognize that Jesus is the Christ. Of what do these prophesies remind us? How do these passages remind us of Jesus?

Prophecies Read these verses from the Bible. Look for the fulfillment of the prophesies in these verses. Lk 1:26-36 Lk 2:8-14 Lk 2:29-32 Mt 2:1-6 Of what do these verses remind us?

Why did people doubt Isaiah’s prophesies? People had their own expectations about the Redeemer-that he would be a political leader or a great warrior. Isaiah tells of a different person Read Is 52:13-53 and Is 12. This is one of the suffering servant prophesies.

Who is the Redeemer? Describe Him.

Read Is 42:6-7 What does this passage mean? What does it mean for us today?

Isaiah predicts:Jesus suffers: He was despised and rejected by men (Is 53:3) Jesus stood trial; the people chose Barabas and demanded he be crucified (Mt 27:15-26) A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Is 53:3) My soul is very sorrowful, even to death… (Mt 26:38-46) He was despised and we esteemed him not (Is 53:3) Many rejected his teachings (Mt 26:65-68; Jn 6:66; 10:31-33)

Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows (Is 53:4) Jesus became man like us in the Incarnation (Jn 1:14; 2 Cor 5:21) He was wounded for our transgressions…and with his stripes we are healed (Is 53:5) Jesus became man like us in the Incarnation (Jn 1:14; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 2:5-8) He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth… (Is 53:7) Jesus did not defend himself before Caiaphas, Herod, or Pilate (Mt 26:63; Lk 23:9; Mt 27:14)

The Life of Isaiah The prophet Isaiah lived in the eighth century BC. At this time, Judah was ruled by an unworthy king named Ahaz and was under threat of destruction from Assyria. After Ahaz, Hezekiah became king and appointed Isaiah to a position of authority. In 701 BC, Jerusalem was saved from Assyria, just as Isaiah had promised. As well as the suffering prophesies Isaiah has many beautiful prophecies of the birth of the Savior (Is 7:14; 9:1-7; 11:1-10). For this reason, we read from the Book of Isaiah in Mass in both Advent and Lent.