What was the relationship between Isaiah and Jesus?
Isaiah announced to King Ahaz the sign of Emmanuel. Matthew says it was fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23
They are connected in 3 ways:
1. Emmanuel
What the Bible says
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:23
Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
What the Church teaches
The Church sees in the virginal conception of Jesus the fulfillment of this promise.
Catechism 497 · Catechism of the Catholic Church
Did you know?
The Hebrew word means “young woman.” The Greek translation, which Matthew quotes, says “virgin.” NAB note on Is 7, 14
2. The suffering servant
Isaiah spoke of a servant led like a sheep to the slaughter. Philip explained to an Ethiopian that this passage announced Jesus. Isaiah 53:7; Acts 8:32-35
What the Bible says
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed.
Isaiah 53:7
He was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth: he shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and he shall not open his mouth.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
What the Church teaches
The Catechism says that the death of Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the Suffering Servant.
Catechism 601 · Catechism of the Catholic Church
3. The Spirit upon me
In the synagogue of Nazareth, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah and said that it was fulfilled that day. Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:16-21
What the Bible says
Isaiah 61:1
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me: he hath sent me to preach to the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, and to preach a release to the captives, and deliverance to them that are shut up.
Luke 4:21
And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
What the Church teaches
The Catechism says that Christ begins the proclamation of the Good News by making this passage his own.
Catechism 714 · Catechism of the Catholic Church