Scripture Study for

The oracle of salvation in Isaiah stems from the late exilic period,  which the prophet announces is coming to an end. This part of Isaiah  makes clear that many in Babylon were doubtful either of God’s  intentions toward Israel or God’s ability to achieve those intentions.  Thus the prophet assures the people that God is indeed announcing  the “glad tidings” (in Greek euangelion) that God is the sovereign  King, and thus able to carry out the divine will. In fact, “sentinels” can  already see that God is doing this by restoring Jerusalem and bringing  the people back. As God’s holy city, and something of a representative  of God’s people, the restoration of Jerusalem is in fact the restoration  of God’s people. 

The Letter to the Hebrews opens with a majestic announcement  that, after centuries of partial and imperfect revelation, God has at last  been perfectly revealed in the Son. Drawing on later, Greek-inflected  theology of the book of Wisdom (7:23–27), the author describes Jesus  Christ as the perfect reflection of the divine glory and power through  whom all things were created, and which sustains them in being.  This Son, although far above all natural and supernatural creatures,  nevertheless took on human flesh and offered himself once and for all  for the sins of humanity. Thus in the perfection of God’s revelation we  see the extent of God’s gracious will for the salvation of all. 

The Prologue to John’s Gospel focuses not just on the person  of Jesus Christ, but also on the significance of his coming into the  world. Jesus himself, as God, is the source of everything in creation;  nothing exists apart from him and thus everything is “his own.” Yet  not everyone will welcome the one who brings light and life. Already  at the beginning of this Gospel we encounter the gracious will of  God for the world (3:16), but also the darkness that the Light will  encounter when he comes. John challenges the readers of his Gospel  to decide whether or not they will accept the “grace and truth” offered  or remain in the dark.