Centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah revealed that the Messiah would come to restore the world, which had been devastated by sin and sickness. Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would bring the “good news” (gospel) of healing and freedom to people in desperate need of salvation. By viewing the good news of Jesus through the lens of Isaiah, students can better understand Jesus’ mission and be challenged to live for him in all they do.

Lesson Objectives

1. WHAT: This lesson will strengthen students’ understanding of Jesus’ mission.
2. WHY: Teenagers will identify with Jesus’ passion to save people from the devastation of sin and sickness.
3. HOW: By studying the Old Testament passage that Jesus read at the start of his ministry, students will discover an empowering call to follow in his steps.

Primary Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Secondary Scriptures: Matthew 11:2-5 and Luke 4:14-21

We’ve been looking at how the Old Testament predicted that a messiah, Savior, and king would come to earth to rescue people. This passage in Isaiah 61, written 700 years before Jesus was even born, reveals what Jesus’ mission would be when he arrived. Let’s be encouraged as we go through these verses together.

1. Be encouraged: There’s good news for our broken world

Think of a time when you received good news: What was your reaction? Who did you tell?

If we like to share good news, why do you think news reports focus so much attention on bad stuff?

Look verse by verse through what we just read. Find all the negative issues that are mentioned. What problems do these verses raise?

Now, verse by verse, find all the positive ways the Messiah would address these problems. What would Jesus do?

“Good news” literally means gospel. The gospel is the good news for the world. Isaiah is saying the gospel will be shared, and it will do a lot of good for a lot of people.

2. Be encouraged: Jesus is the one who brings the good news

Look again at verses 1 and 2. From what you know about Jesus, how did he share the good news in all these ways? For example, how did he comfort the brokenhearted (verse 1)? How did he release captives (verse 1)? How did he help people who mourn (verse 2)? How did he defeat people’s enemies (verse 2)?

Why would Jesus want to do all this for people—especially knowing what it would cost him?

This news is so good it needs to be shared! Jesus asks people to follow him as he spreads the good news to the world. We can go against all the bad news of devastation and destruction and offer the world a powerful, life-changing message of hope and life.

3. Be encouraged: You can be part of this good-news movement

Each of us can take a stand against the troubles and oppression in our world. We can offer a beautiful, alternative message. Jesus wants to empower us to be part of his mission.

Verse 3 declares that Jesus will plant people like “great oaks.” How does this description fit some of the Christians you know?

From what we’ve studied, what are some characteristics that a follower of Jesus needs to pursue, and why?

Does this reflect the way you live your life? Why or why not?

How can you become more planted or rooted in the good news of Jesus?

BGroup Questions

1. What part of the good news do you most need in your life right now?
2. What part of the good news do you most want to share with others, and why?

3. What can we do as a group to spread this good news in our community or in our world?

TAKE ACTION: Memorize this Scripture this week! “He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” (Isaiah 61:2).

**Leaders, leave 3-5 minutes for prayer at the end of your group time.