The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

THE BRANCH

The image of the branch in this passage is used to represent both Judah and the coming Messiah. The word branch is derived from the Hebrew verb meaning “to sprout up” or “to come from death to life.” In a literal sense, Isaiah is describing the prosperity and blessing that the people of Judah will one day experience following God’s judgment for their unfaithfulness as described in Isaiah 3:1 — 4:1. However, the other important aspect of this section is the Messianic references that it contains. This is the first reference to the Messiah as the “Branch” of the Lord, yet there are several other mentions throughout Scripture (Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zec 3:8). The branch is an image for life and prosperity, and these verses point to the blessing that Jesus would one day bring to God’s people. His blessing would allow fallen sinners to once again have fellowship and peace with God. This prophecy gives hope to the Israelites that the coming Messiah will bring life to the otherwise dying religion and law under which they were living. Jesus is not only the giver of life; he is life itself.

Jesus, thank you for reconnecting me to God the Father. Help me to cling to you, knowing that all life is found in you and you alone. Amen.