Advent and the Messianic Prophecies - Part 2

 

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on November 14th Dec 2025, by Navaz. For the audio & video, please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The Anointed Messiah

Introduction

Isaiah 61 stands as one of the most hope-filled and powerful passages in Scripture. Written against the dark backdrop of exile, oppression, and spiritual decline, it points forward to a Redeemer who would bring healing, freedom, and restoration. This chapter ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who boldly declares in Luke 4 that this ancient prophecy is realized in Him.

At its heart, Isaiah 61 carries a sweeping message: Judgment gives way to hope, hope leads to redemption, redemption results in restoration, and restoration ushers in new creation.

Background to the Book of Isaiah

The book of Isaiah spans nearly 100 years of Israel’s history. Scholars generally agree on one of two views: either Isaiah wrote the first part of the book while his disciples completed the latter sections, or Isaiah himself authored the entire work but entrusted portions of it to his students for preservation.

Isaiah ministered during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in the southern kingdom of Judah, while Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel.

The book can broadly be divided into three sections:

• Chapters 1–39 (c. 800 BC): Isaiah’s lifetime, calling Judah to repentance
• Chapters 40–55 (c. 550–539 BC): Addressing Israel during the Babylonian exile
• Chapters 56–66 (post-515 BC): Hope after the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple

Isaiah 61 belongs to this final section and is saturated with expectation—a promise that God has not abandoned His people.

A Messianic Promise of Hope

Isaiah 61 was written with the awareness that Israel would face exile and devastation. The temple would lie in ruins, and the people would experience loss, shame, and despair. Yet this chapter speaks of a coming Messiah who would restore what was broken.

The passage declares:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…”

This is not merely poetic comfort—it is a prophetic announcement of God’s rescue plan.

Jesus Reads Isaiah 61

Fast forward to Luke 4. Israel is once again under foreign rule, this time by the Romans. Centuries of conquest have left the people longing for deliverance. Many expected a political Messiah who would overthrow oppressors by force.

Instead, Jesus inaugurates His ministry with a radically different message.

Returning to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus enters the synagogue “as was His custom.” The scroll of Isaiah is handed to Him, and He reads from what we now know as Isaiah 61. Then, He does something astonishing—He stops mid-sentence.

He reads:

“To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”

But He does not continue with:

“and the day of vengeance of our God.”

Why?

Two Comings, One Messiah

Jesus’ deliberate pause reveals a profound truth: His mission unfolds in two phases.

The First Coming – Grace and Salvation

Jesus declares that Isaiah 61 is fulfilled in their hearing. He is openly identifying Himself as the Messiah. His first coming is marked by grace, mercy, and salvation:

“I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)

This is the present season—the year of the Lord’s favour—where forgiveness is offered and hearts can be transformed.

The Second Coming – Justice and Judgment

The “day of vengeance” will come later. Scripture makes it clear that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Until then, the door of grace remains open.

We are still living in that season of favour.

Good News for the Poor

Jesus’ announcement shocked His audience. He declared good news not for the powerful, but for:

• The poor
• The broken-hearted
• The captives
• The blind
• The oppressed

In Jesus’ day, these groups were often considered cursed or insignificant. Yet Jesus places them at the very centre of God’s kingdom.

This theme echoes throughout His teaching, especially in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

The poverty Jesus addresses is ultimately spiritual poverty—a condition shared by all humanity. Sin leaves us bankrupt, captive, blind, and broken. But in Christ, our debt is cancelled.

Recovery of Sight to the Blind

Interestingly, Jesus adds a phrase not found directly in Isaiah 61: “recovery of sight for the blind.” This comes from Isaiah 42.

Why does He include it?

Because spiritual blindness is humanity’s deepest problem. No amount of human wisdom can fix it. We need divine revelation. Jesus is the Light of the world, opening blind eyes and leading people out of darkness into truth.

The gospel convicts, heals, restores, and illuminates—by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Great Exchange

Isaiah 61 beautifully describes what Jesus gives us in exchange for our brokenness:

• A crown of beauty instead of ashes – where there was ruin, God gives dignity
• The oil of joy instead of mourning – where there was sorrow, God gives healing joy
• A garment of praise instead of despair – where sin weighed us down, God clothes us in righteousness

This is not surface-level change. It is deep, Spirit-led restoration.

Who We Become

Those who receive this work of Christ are called:

“Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.”

This is the purpose of salvation—not merely heaven someday, but transformation now. God restores us so His glory can be seen through renewed lives.

Isaiah 61 operates on three levels:

1. What it meant for Israel in exile
2. How it is fulfilled in Christ
3. What it now means for us

Christ fulfils the prophecy, works transformation in us, and continues His mission through us.

Living in the Year of the Lord’s Favor

The church is called to reflect this kingdom reality—to preach good news, heal broken hearts, and proclaim freedom to those enslaved by sin. We are the new Zion, a city set on a hill, displaying what redeemed humanity looks like.

One day, Christ will return. That day will be glorious for some and devastating for others.

Until then, now is the day of salvation.

The question remains: How will you respond?

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Jesus is Greater | Alex G

This message was preached  by Alex Godinho at Word of Grace Church on May 6th, 2018. To listen/download the audio please click here. To listen to the Sunday's worship and prophetic contributions please click here.

In Nigeria, when I was walking with my colleagues, a friend of my stepped onto a pile of cowdung and slipped and fell on it. Sometimes, I think our life is like that- we are going along and suddenly find ourselves in a mess. It is not expected. We think we are all in control and suddenly something comes up. It could be a misunderstanding in a family- arguing, bitterness and we wonder how we got there. Maybe someone is in the centre of this kind of a mess. It is like an addiction that is fun at the beginning and suddenly you find that you can’t get out of it. Or a financial issue- it starts off as small loans and then one day you realise that you are in a huge mess. If you are struggling with this mess, the Bible has many words of encouragement.

The book of Revelation was written for our encouragement and not to scare us. Many early church leaders were killed for their faith. John, Jesus’ beloved disciple, was stranded in the island of Patmos. Christians were really in a hard season and wondering if there was a God and someone to help them. This is where the book of Revelation comes to tell us that he is coming back. Jesus shows up personally through a revelation. Rev 1:1- “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place”. Revelation means unveiling of Jesus. The New Testament gives a picture of Jesus- in his humility, serving people, compassionate and loving. But in Revelation we see another side of Jesus. Jesus in his glory! We get a bigger picture of Jesus. He is a conquering warrior. When we see who Jesus is in his glory, we can let him take control. Jesus wins and he wins all the time! So through faith we can share in his victory.

We also need encouragement – so we need to remember that Jesus wins.

1.      Recognise the real Jesus- If look at the news there is total chaos. If Jesus is not at the centre of our lives, we too can end up in chaos. We could succeed but won’t be lasting success. Rev 1:4-5 “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Of all the names that we read of Jesus in the Bible, this is the coolest to me- he is the ruler of the kings of the earth. This is significant because in the olden days, kings dominated every sector of society. They controlled media, arts, commerce, etc. When Jesus comes along in Revelation, he is called the ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus is saying, I am Large and in-charge.

Peter and Paul died for their faith and even John is exiled in the island of Patmos. But when we are in the darkest hour, we need to remember that God is still in-charge. When you look beyond your immediate circumstances, you will see that Jesus is bigger.

2.      Share in Jesus’ victory- Jesus redeems our mistakes. Jesus gave his life so that things could be put right. In Rev 1:5 “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood”. Our responsibility is to receive his grace and his mercy. We believe that God forgives. But has he forgiven me? It took me a long time to realise that God has forgiven me completely. If you put your trust in him, he forgives. Jesus was more than enough to pay for our sins. So we are here to share in his victory. Rev 1:6 “and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” This phrase kingdom of priests comes from the Old Testament when the Israelites are brought out of Egypt and did not know their identity. So God gives them identity- that they are a kingdom of priests. We are the same. You are not what people say you are.  You are who God says you are. He says we are loved, we are a kingdom of priests, equipped to serve and follow him. Rev 2:17 “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” In Pergamum- white stone represents someone who won a victory. Athletes in that day would get a white stone that signifies that they are winners. We don’t have to wait to receive that stone because we are already victors.

3.      Look forward to Jesus’ return- we all go through rough times but we need to endure. I was pushed around at work and not given what I deserved for 19 years, but in 6 years I was promoted more than what I would have earned in those 19 years. We need to hang on to our hope in Christ, no matter what the difficulty in front of us. Look beyond the junk. Rev 1:7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him,even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”So shall it be! Amen.” We will live with God forever. When he first came, he came as a baby in a manger, in meekness. But when he returns he will be the conquering king, the Lord of lords, seen by everyone, a judge, bringing peace to the world. Jesus wins and we share in his victory.

Your life is marked by your love for God and love for people. At the end of your life this is what counts. It is not more complex than this. Look at the people He has placed in your life and start valuing them. We need to start forgiving and understanding one another. Love God and Love others. Let’s pray.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

So how shall we live now? | Colin D

This message was preached  by Colin D'cruz at Word of Grace Church on April 15th , 2018. To listen/download the audio please click here. 

There was a time many years ago where people said Jesus is coming soon and lived irresponsibly. People are very intrigued about Jesus’ return.

Q. What does God say about his return and what is our response?

Matt 24:36- 39 ““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

First thing is the Jesus is definitely coming back. But we are not called to speculate when he comes back because no one knows.

Q. So does it matter how we live?

Philippians 1:21 – 23 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far”

Paul is saying that to be with Jesus is gain and is far better than anything on this earth. But in the interim, how shall we live?

Matthew 25:

“14For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.”

This is in the context of his return.  One talent is a lot of money- it was approximately 20 years’ wages. He gave it to them each according to his ability. Everyone doesn’t get something equal.

“16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.”

We have different responses to this money the master has given them. So the 2 workers were very diligent. The third one just dug a hole and kept it.

19 Now after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

The master commends the character of the servant. The servant was faithful with a lot of money from his perspective. But it was little to the master's eyes. In Luke, it says, people who were faithful with their minas, were given cities to rule. The reward is far more than what they have laboured with.

22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Q. How did the master respond to the one who had one talent?

He was reprimanded. He spoke about his character as well. There was punishment. His talent was taken and given to the one who had 10.

Q. How can we apply this parable to our lives?

These are the words of Jesus talking about the kingdom of Heaven. This is how it is going to be like at his second coming. Jesus is the master and the servants are people who have been entrusted with something.

Q. What are we entrusted with?

1.      They can be spiritual gifts- prophecy, evangelism, leading, giving, tongues... there are all kinds of gifts. The Holy Spirit gives according to his will.

2.      Skills and abilities- art, music, public speaking, etc. Jesus has given us all of these.

3.      Time and opportunities have been given to us. We don’t know how much time we have.

4.      Assets- money, vehicles, houses, etc. everything that we own has also been given to us by God.

While we are on earth we have to multiply all these things. God wants you to increase what you have. Jesus gives us this parable to motivate us to godly productive living. We can think we are not losing what God has given and that is enough. But there is no neutral in the kingdom. He who does not gather, scatters. We have to learn from the 2 servants who took the talents at once and multiplied them.

Q. What did the unfaithful servant do?

Verse 24-  He had a wrong understanding of the master. The master was generous and not a hard man. He accused him of being a thief. He rewarded the other 2 servants amazingly. In the same way we can have a wrong understanding of God. Salvation is an opportunity to put our talents to work so we can bring glory to God and Jesus can reward us.

Q. What are the talents God has given you?

Have you done something with the talents God has given you? Recognise your talents and do something with it. Rev 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

In Phil 3:20 Paul writes about the second coming saying “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

But while we are waiting here, we need to work for the Kingdom. Titus 2:11- 14 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

In Matthew 7 he talks about 2 types of people:

1.      Professors- those who say Lord, Lord, but He never knew them.

2.      Possessors- those who knew Him.

One way we can confirm we are possessors of eternal life is by the fruit we produce.

God wants to reward you much beyond what we have today in this life and in the life to come. Do something! Jesus is coming back and is going to take an account of what we have done.

Let’s pray!

  Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Philippians Part 21: Gentleness| Colin D

This message was preached  by Colin D'cruz at Word of Grace Church on September 4th, 2016. To listen/download the audio please click here. To listen to the Sunday's worship and prophetic contributions please click here

We saw how we should stand firm in the Lord. We saw why relationships are important. We saw how we should rejoice in the Lord.

Before we go into this let's look at standing firm. It's not standing still but persevering in the purposes of God. Phil 1:27 says stand firm in one spirit.

2 Thess 2:15- “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” Standing firm is conducting yourself in a certain way.

Phil 3:14 is far removed from doing nothing. There is effort involved. The effort is in the Lord. We do it with the strength that God gives us.

1.      John 15:4 speaks about remaining in the Lord and in the Word. We need to be a people of his word. The practice of having a quiet time goes a long way in standing firm.

John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This is holding on by obeying the Word.

2.      The second is we want the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jude 1:20- “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit”. We should be a people led by the Spirit.

Phil 4: 5- “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near”

Q. Can you say you are gentle?

This is a command. That word is translated differently in different translations-

·        Humility

·        Considerate

·        Gracious

·        Forbearance

·        Gentleness

Q. What is the model for this? Jesus

Matt 11:29- “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” He was gentle and humble.

Q. What was Paul like?

2 Cor 10:1- “By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!”

Let's look at some examples

1.      In John 8: 1-11 a woman was caught in adultery. How does Jesus deal with the situation? Jesus says I don't condemn you, sin no more.

Q. What do we do when people sin against us? How gentle are we?

We need to be gracious enough to forgive

2.      In John 13: 1-7,  Jesus before he goes to the cross, washes the feet of the disciples, even Judas. Gentleness is to love even those who are against us.

Q. How can we be gracious?

Prov 15:1 “A harsh word stirs up anger but a soft answer turns away wrath”. We need to do this even when there is no response.

1 Pet 3:15- “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. He says, share your faith with gentleness and respect. You can't argue anyone into believing.

Titus 3:2 says, always be gentle with everyone

1 Peter 3:3-4 says talking to wives, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” A quiet and gentle spirit, this will win their husbands over.

Standing firm includes being gracious and gentle. This is great quality.

Q. What is the reason for this?

A.     In Phil 4: 5 it says the Lord is near. The early Christians lived with the hope that Jesus would return soon.  1 Thes 4:8- do we live with that expectation? The fact is that He is coming again. If you have not put your faith in Jesus I urge you to do so. One he comes is there is no second Chance.

B.     The second reason is God is at my side. Ps 139:8 Jesus is with us every moment of the day. We can encourage ourselves that no matter what we go through know that God is with us. Sometimes we come to God with a wrong mentality that he will judge us. No. He is there for my success and well being.

So we stand firm by moving toward the things of God. It's takes effort to move the direction that God wants. It’s being gentle and gracious like Jesus. When we look to Jesus we can change.

The Lord is near. That is our encouragement.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.