When a newly elected official gives an inaugural speech, they usually outline the values and goals that will mark their administration. When Jesus preached His own inaugural sermon, He chose portions of Isaiah 61 as His text. Jesus began by saying: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

The fact that Jesus did not read all the verses in Isaiah’s text may have been a signal that some aspects of this prophecy would not be fulfilled during His earthly ministry. Jesus had come to proclaim the good news of salvation, not to judge (see also Luke 12:14). The inauguration of Jesus’ earthly ministry was the beginning of the age of grace. Jesus came to offer forgiveness of sin and freedom from its bondage. But He also warned of a coming day of judgment when it would be more tolerable for the people of Sodom than for those who rejected His offer of mercy (Matt. 11:24). This other side of the gospel is reflected in Isaiah 61:2, which indicates that “the year of the Lord’s favor” will ultimately culminate in “the day of vengeance of our God.”

On the surface, this might seem like a contradiction, especially given the promises in verses 3–7. Here we read of a joy that will replace mourning and rebuilding what has been destroyed. These promises of hope, however, belong to those who are God’s people. They are the people of the Messiah, both Jews and Gentiles, who are called “the Israel of God” in Galatians 6:16. The day of vengeance is when all God’s promises and warnings will be proven true. It will be the day when those who set themselves against God are punished. It is also the day when the faith of all who have trusted in Jesus as the Messiah will be vindicated. Which of these will be true of you?

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