God Promises the Messiah

Lesson Summary

This week we looked at Messianic prophecies found in the books of Micah and Isaiah. Of course, both prophets deal with more than the coming of Messiah. We can learn much about the history of Israel and the attributes of God by reading these books.

We want to look at just one chapter of Isaiah this week, one that speaks of the Messiah’s coming, his reign, and God’s majesty and authority over the earth—Isaiah 40. This tremendous chapter is one of the most poetic expressions of theology in the Bible. Using beautiful metaphors, the power and nature of God is presented in clear and moving terms. This is not merely a listing out of God’s attributes as

in a theology textbook; rather, Isaiah is trying to move our hearts, not just inform our minds. This passage should evoke in the believer a sense of awe, wonder, and encouragement as we read the descriptions of our mighty God.

Read and Discuss

Read the following passages and discuss the questions together.

Isaiah 40:1–8

1. What does God want for his people? What message does he have for them (vv. 1–2)?
2. What will be revealed? What part can we play in preparing others to see the glory of God?
3. Who fulfilled, at least in part, the prophecy of verses 3–5? See Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:1-4, Luke 3:3-6, and John 1:22–23.
4. How does the “loveliness” of man compare to the Word of God?

Isaiah 40:9–11

1. What did God call Zion/Jerusalem to proclaim to the cities of Judah (v. 9)? What are we called to proclaim
2. How is the Lord going to come? Why is he coming? What will he have with him
3. How is God like a shepherd (v. 11)? What passages does this verse remind you of? See Psalm 23 and John 10:1–16.

 

Isaiah 40:12–31

How would this passage have encouraged the Jews who were captives in Babylon?

 

Write the attribute of God best associated with the following verses:

 40:12 — 

40:13–14 —

40:15 —

40:22–23 —

40:26 —

40:28 —What does God think of the power of the nations

How do the idols of man compare to the true God 

(vv. 18–20)? See Psalm 115:4–8, Isaiah 44:9-20, and Jeremiah 10:1–10.

 What does God promise for those who wait on the Lord (v. 31)?

 How has this chapter given you hope? What have you been reminded of about our great God?

Memory Verse

Review the memory verse with your family.

Ephesians 2:4–5 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our tres- passes, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

 

Prayer

Praise God for his faithfulness and grace. Thank him for neverforsaking his people and for the hope that is found in him. Ask him for help to delight in him and to trust him during affliction.