Advent 2
Isaiah 11:1-16, Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 14:1--15:13
Bulletin Aid
by John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah describes the character and work of the promised Messiah, the son of David. Here Judah is given the promise of a Davidic king-messiah who is the basis for hope for the future. The king-messiah possesses the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit. Accordingly, he has a government characterized by justice and righteousness. His only weapon is word of mouth. As a result of his righteous reign, all of nature is at peace. Verse 10, a later addition, applies the foregoing to the whole world and not to Judah only. Christians see Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise.

Epistle: Romans 15:4-13
Christians abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. This pericope needs to be understood in its context. Paul is urging strong Christians to give up the…

CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Cycle A, Third Edition, by John R. Brokhoff