Lecture 17: The Public Ministry and Passion of Christ

Introduction

• Place of habitation of Christ discussed earlier was a typo.
• These lectures and translations will be published as a book, available gradually via patreon and orthodoxethos.com.

Isaiah's Prophecy of Galilee

• Isaiah foretells Galilee as the place of Messiah's ministry (Isaiah 9:1-2, Matthew 4:15-16).
• Messiah's light would shine in the land of Zabulon and Nephthalim.
• Exact quotes from Isaiah highlight the fulfillment in Jesus' advent.
• Jesus reads Isaiah's prophecy in His hometown synagogue (Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19).

The Ministry in Synagogues

• After return from the wilderness, Jesus teaches in synagogues in Galilee.
• Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 in which the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him.
• Essential understanding of Messiah's mission through the patristic tradition.

The Forerunner and John's Baptism

• John the Baptist as the Forerunner, Isaiah prophesying his role (Isaiah 40:3).
• Importance of John's Baptism of Repentance in preparing the people for Jesus (Malachi's prophecy relevant here).

Disobedience of Israel Foretold

• The refusal to accept the Messiah and understand his message (Isaiah 6:9-10).
• Jesus echoes this prophecy, noting Israel's spiritual deafness.
• St. Basil's Commentary confirms Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilling during Jesus' time.

Hypocritical Honor Prophecy

• Typic or hypocritical honor given by Israelites (Isaiah 29:13, Mark 7:6-7).
• Jesus uses Isaiah's prophecy to indict superficial worship.
• Historical context and links with contemporary Jewish practice.

Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem

• Zechariah 9:9 prophesies Jesus' humble, triumphant entry on a donkey (Matthew 21:5).
• Psalm 8:2 and Matthew 21:15 connect children’s praises to prophecy fulfillment.

Passion, Crucifixion, and Death of Christ

• Christ as the rejected cornerstone uniting Jews and Gentiles (Matthew 21:42, Psalm 117:22).
• Christ's sufferings likened to the suffering servant from Isaiah 53.
• Major points including Christ's sacrificial role and His avoidance of worldly Kingship.
• St. Gregory Theologian emphasizes on Jesus’ divinity despite the humility and suffering detailed in Isaiah.

Prophecy of the Long-Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:2-3)

• Jesus was a man of sufferings, not esteemed by men - the humble Messiah visualized.

Isaiah's Description of the Messiah's suffering for sins (Isaiah 53:4-12)

• Detailed summary of the sufferings Christ took upon himself for humanity.
• Him bearing our sins and being bruised for our iniquities, His ultimate sacrifice.

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled

• In Isaiah, Jesus’ life and passion closely align to the prophecies establishing His role and legitimacy as the Messiah.
• St. Jerome calls Isaiah the fifth evangelist for his detailed Messianic prophecies.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Preview of next week’s topics related to the passion and crucifixion such as prophecy of Judas’s betrayal, disciples’ scattering, and false testimony against Jesus.

Questions and Discussions

• Reflecting on the teachings and how to approach understanding of Old Testament prophecies in New Testament events. Possible questions regarding catechism, interpretations, and modern applications.