Advent Season · Third Sunday of Advent · Year B
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
December 13, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” (Isaiah 61:1)
Chapters 61 and 62 recapitulate much of chapter 60, but they do so in a new framework. They offer five responses to those promises. Whereas the prophet’s word was a brisk preliminary to Yahweh’s word in 59:21–60:22, in chapters 61–62 the prophet speaks a number of times in a way that has significance in its own right but also introduces recapitulations of the promises.
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Commentary
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Working Preacher
A scholarly read on the anointed herald of good news to the oppressed, the text Jesus later claims in the Nazareth synagogue.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary noting the dialogue between the human herald and God, and what it means that the lectionary trims the day of vengeance.
Isaiah 61 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse treatment of the Servant's mission of release, comfort, and the garment of praise.
Isaiah 61 verse by verse Precept Austin
A deep inductive-study page compiling cross references, word studies, and quotations from many commentators.
Classic commentaries on Isaiah 61 BibleHub
A classic aggregator collecting historic commentators on the Spirit-anointed proclamation of the Lord's favor.
Background & Word Study
Isaiah and Work Theology of Work
Explores how Isaiah's vision of restored ruins and rebuilt cities speaks to justice, vocation, and economic life.
Isaiah 61 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The original Hebrew with parallel English and linked Jewish commentary, essential for hearing the text in its own tradition.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does Isaiah 61 belong to Advent?
It is the anointed servant's mandate, good news to the poor, liberty to captives, the year of the Lord's favor, the very words Jesus reads of himself in the synagogue at Nazareth.
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