“October 3–9. Isaiah 58–66: ‘The Redeemer Shall Come to Zion,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 (2021)

“October 3–9. Isaiah 58–66,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2022

Image

Jesus teaching in synagogue

Jesus in the Synagogue at Nazareth, by Greg K. Olsen

October 3–9

Isaiah 58–66

“The Redeemer Shall Come to Zion”

As you study Isaiah 58–66, consider how Isaiah’s words bring you joy and hope for the future.

Record Your Impressions

Early in His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ visited a synagogue in Nazareth, the village where He was raised. There He stood to read from the scriptures, opened the book of Isaiah, and read what we now know as Isaiah 61:1–2. He then announced, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” This was one of the Savior’s most straightforward declarations that He was the Anointed One, who would “heal the brokenhearted” and “preach deliverance to the captives” (see Luke 4:16–21). This scripture was indeed fulfilled on that day. And, like many other prophecies of Isaiah, it continues to be fulfilled in our day. The Savior continues to heal all the brokenhearted who come unto Him. There are yet many captives to whom deliverance must be preached. And there is a glorious future to prepare for—a time when the Lord will “create new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17) and “cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” (Isaiah 61:11). Reading Isaiah opens our eyes to what the Lord has already done, what He is doing, and what He will yet do for His people.

Image

personal study icon

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Isaiah 58:3–12

Fasting brings blessings.

These verses suggest that to many ancient Israelites, fasting was more of a burden than a blessing. Many of us can relate to that feeling at times. If you would like to find more meaning and purpose in your fasting, read Isaiah 58:3–12 to find the Lord’s answers to the question “Why do we fast?” In your experience, how can fasting “loose the bands of wickedness” and “break every yoke”? (Isaiah 58:6). How has fasting brought you the blessings described in Isaiah 58:8–12? How does Isaiah 58:3–12 affect the way you think about fasting?

In his message “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 22–25), President Henry B. Eyring shared several examples of how people have been blessed by fasting and fast offerings. How have you witnessed similar blessings in your life?

See also Gospel Topics, “Fasting and Fast Offerings” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Isaiah 59:9–21; 61:1–3; 63:1–9

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

In Isaiah 58–66 you will find multiple references to the atoning mission of Jesus Christ. Here are a few examples, along with some questions to help you ponder them.

Isaiah 59:9–21. How would you summarize the spiritual condition of the people described in verses 9–15? What impresses you about the description of the “intercessor” in verses 16–21 and the covenant He makes with those who turn to Him?
Isaiah 61:1–3. How has Jesus Christ blessed you in the ways described in these verses? What “good tidings” has He brought you? How has He given you beauty in place of ashes?
Isaiah 63:7–9. What “lovingkindnesses of the Lord” can you mention? What feelings for the Savior do these verses inspire in your heart?

What other references to the Savior do you find in Isaiah 58–66?

Isaiah 60; 62

“The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light.”

Isaiah 60 and 62 speak of light and dark, eyes and seeing, to teach about how the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless the world in the last days. Look for these concepts especially in Isaiah 60:1–5, 19–20; 62:1–2. As you read these chapters, ponder how God is gathering His children out of darkness to His light. What is your role in this work?

See also 1 Nephi 22:3–12; 3 Nephi 18:24; Doctrine and Covenants 14:9; Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80.

Isaiah 64:1–5; 65:17–25; 66

Christ will reign on earth during the Millennium.

Isaiah spoke of a day when “the former troubles are forgotten” (Isaiah 65:16). While this prophecy has several fulfillments, in its fullest sense, that day is yet to come—when Jesus Christ will return to the earth and establish an era of peace and righteousness called the Millennium. Isaiah described this future day in Isaiah 64:1–5; 65:17–25; 66. Notice how often he used words like “rejoice” and “rejoicing.” Ponder why the Savior’s return will be a day of rejoicing for you. What can you do to prepare for His coming?

See also Articles of Faith 1:10; Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” Ensign, Apr. 2020, 13–17.

Image

family study icon

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Isaiah 58:3–11.Family members might better understand Isaiah’s message about fasting if they act out the type of fasting described in Isaiah 58:3–5 and the type of fasting described in Isaiah 58:6–8. How can we make our fasts more like “the fast that [God has] chosen”? What blessings have we seen from fasting?

Isaiah 58:13–14.What is the difference between “finding [our] own pleasure” and finding “delight … in the Lord” on the Sabbath? How can we make the Sabbath “a delight”?

Isaiah 60:1–5.As you read Isaiah 60:1–3, family members could turn on a light when the verses mention light and turn it off when the verses mention darkness. How is the gospel of Jesus Christ like a light to us? What did Isaiah foresee would happen as God’s people share the light of the gospel? (see Isaiah 60:3–5).

Isaiah 61:1–3.How has the Savior fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecies in these verses? You could invite family members to look for pictures of the Savior that they feel illustrate these aspects of His mission (pictures can be found in Church magazines or the Gospel Art Book). You might also sing a song about how the Savior blesses us, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82–83.

Improving Personal Study

Prepare your surroundings. Our surroundings can affect our ability to learn. Find a place to study the scriptures where you can feel the influence of the Spirit. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 15.)