Branch from Jesse

This lesson explores how Isaiah 11:1-2 connects to Jesus.

📘 Payne ✓📚 Edersheim ✓📖 McDowell ✓

Old Testament

Isaiah 11:1-2

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—

New Testament

Luke 3:22

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Scholar Credits

📘 Payne ✓📚 Edersheim ✓📖 McDowell ✓

J. Barton Payne

Payne #26 — Isa 11:1–2

Shoot from Jesse's stump; Payne notes the stump imagery implies a dynasty cut down before the Messiah emerges

Alfred Edersheim

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah • Appendix IX

Branch from Jesse and Spirit of the LORD extensively applied to Messiah in Targum, Talmud, and Midrash

Josh McDowell

The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict • #8 Family Line of Jesse

Targum Isaiah: 'A King shall come forth from the sons of Jesse'; also #20 Special Anointing of Holy Spirit

Quick Check

Part 1 - Multiple Choice

Which New Testament passage fulfills this prophecy in this lesson?

Part 2 - Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank: The Old Testament prophecy for this lesson is ____.

Why This Matters

Isaiah saw a shoot rising from the stump of Jesse, David's father—an image of new life from what appeared to be a dead dynasty. The Spirit of the Lord would rest on this Branch in fullness. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descended visibly, and the Father spoke his approval. The dead stump of David's fallen kingdom had produced its greatest Branch.

Reflection

God of the covenant, as I trace Your promises in Branch from Jesse, fill me with confidence that You finish what You start.