• Salvation and Rejoicing Under the Messiah’s Reign
    Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I

    • 6. What kind of ruler is the Messiah prophesied to be?

      6 What kind of ruler will the Messiah be? Will he be like the cruel, self-willed Assyrian who destroys the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel? Of course not. Of the Messiah, Isaiah says: “Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah; and there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 11:2, 3a) The Messiah is anointed, not with oil, but with God’s holy spirit. This happens at Jesus’ baptism, when John the Baptizer sees God’s holy spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove. (Luke 3:22) Jehovah’s spirit ‘settles down upon’ Jesus, and he gives evidence of this when he acts with wisdom, understanding, counsel, mightiness, and knowledge. What excellent qualities for a ruler!

  • Salvation and Rejoicing Under the Messiah’s Reign
    Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I

    • 8. How does Jesus find enjoyment in the fear of Jehovah?

      8 What is the fear of Jehovah that the Messiah displays? Jesus certainly is not terrified by God, fearful of his condemnation. Rather, the Messiah has a respectful awe of God, a loving reverence for him. A God-fearing person desires always to “do the things pleasing to him,” as Jesus does. (John 8:29) By word and example, Jesus teaches that there is no greater joy than walking every day in the wholesome fear of Jehovah.

      A Righteous and Merciful Judge

      9. What example does Jesus give to those called upon to judge matters in the Christian congregation?

      9 Isaiah foretells more of the Messiah’s characteristics: “He will not judge by any mere appearance to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to the thing heard by his ears.” (Isaiah 11:3b) If you had to stand before a court of law, would you not be grateful for a judge like that? In his capacity as Judge of all mankind, the Messiah is not swayed by false arguments, clever courtroom tactics, rumors, or superficial factors, such as wealth. He sees through deception and looks beyond unflattering outward appearances, discerning “the secret person of the heart,” “the hidden man.” (1 Peter 3:4, footnote) Jesus’ superlative example serves as the model for all who are called upon to judge matters in the Christian congregation.​—1 Corinthians 6:1-4.