Seminary
Lesson 113: Introduction to Isaiah—“Great are the words of Isaiah”
the prophet Isaiah writes on a roll of parchment

The Prophet Isaiah Foretells Christ’s Birth, by Harry Anderson

Isaiah 1–12: Lesson 113

Introduction to Isaiah

“Great are the words of Isaiah”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

The prophet Isaiah had the very important responsibility to teach about redemption through Jesus Christ. This message was intended for the people in Isaiah’s time, as well as for us in our time. It is worth the effort to diligently study Isaiah’s teachings about Jesus Christ. This lesson can help increase your desire to learn about Jesus Christ by studying Isaiah.

Study the Scriptures

young man reading a book

Which of the following is most likely to persuade you to read a book?

  1. Looks very interesting

  2. Recommended by a family member or friend

  3. Assigned for a class at school

  4. Has great online reviews

Read 3 Nephi 23:1–3, looking for what book the Savior invited us to study.

link iconLink 3 Nephi 23:1 to the word “Isaiah” above the Isaiah 1 chapter heading.

How might the Savior’s commandment influence how you approach your study of Isaiah? As you study the words of Isaiah, the Holy Ghost will help you come closer to Jesus Christ.

Using the infographic below, take a moment to locate Isaiah and the kingdom he lived in. What do you notice?

diagram of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah

Many prophets were influenced by Isaiah’s words, including the prophet Nephi, who quoted Isaiah often. Note that Judah was taken captive by Babylon about a century after Isaiah prophesied it (see Isaiah 39:3–7; 2 Kings 24–25).

During his life, the prophet Isaiah preached to people who had turned away from faith in Jehovah (Jesus Christ). Isaiah’s message to them is reflected in his own name, which means “The Lord is salvation.”

note iconMake a note with the meaning of Isaiah’s name at the beginning of Isaiah 1.

Isaiah’s teachings also apply to other periods when people would turn away from Jesus Christ—such as the time of Christ and the present day, as we prepare for His Second Coming.

Interpreting Isaiah. “Jesus quoted Isaiah more frequently than He quoted any other prophet. Isaiah is also quoted frequently by Peter, John, and Paul in the New Testament. The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants contain more quotes from Isaiah than from any other prophet and provide much help in interpreting Isaiah” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Isaiah,” Gospel Library).

mark iconRead 1 Nephi 19:23. Mark why Nephi read the words of Isaiah to his brothers.

note iconCreate a note with the following truth: Studying the words of Isaiah can help me believe more fully in Jesus Christ. You might also include how you would finish the following statement: “Believing more deeply in Jesus Christ could impact my life by …”

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

What does Isaiah teach about who Jesus Christ is?

the resurrected Christ

The Resurrected Christ, by Walter Rane

One of the ways Isaiah leads us to believe more fully in Jesus Christ is by teaching about His titles and roles.

notebook iconCreate the following diagram in your notebook:

empty bubble chart

Put “Jesus Christ” in the center.

tag iconRead the following verses and identify the titles or roles of Jesus Christ. Tag each as “titles of Christ” or a tag you create. Then add the titles and roles of Jesus Christ that you discover in the other circles.

Choose one title you found and learn more about it. Use the footnotes or look up “Jesus Christ” in the Guide to the Scriptures or Topical Guide. For example, the title Immanuel (see Isaiah 7:14) means “God is with us” (see Matthew 1:23). Add insights to your diagram by creating circles branching out from the title or role you focus on.

Option B

What does Isaiah teach about how Jesus Christ can help me?

Isaiah’s words can often be difficult to understand.

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, then Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, taught:

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox

You are blessed to live in a time when you can witness the fulfillment of many of Isaiah’s prophecies. … Nephi said Isaiah’s words can be “plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). That might sound intimidating at first, but this doesn’t mean that only prophets can understand Isaiah. The scriptures teach that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). In other words, if you believe in Jesus Christ, you already have the beginning of what it takes to understand Isaiah! … With a testimony of Jesus Christ, the Spirit can testify to you the importance of Isaiah’s words and how they can help and bless your life today. (“Nephi’s Four Keys for Understanding Isaiah,” For Strength of Youth, Sept. 2022, 12)

If we believe in Jesus Christ and focus on what Isaiah teaches about Him, we will better understand Isaiah’s writings. Each time you read a passage in Isaiah, ask yourself, “What am I learning about Jesus Christ?”

tag iconRead the following verses and identify attributes you learn about the Savior or ways He helps us. Tag each as “Christlike attributes” or a tag you create.

share iconFind an image of the Savior that you feel embodies one of these attributes. Consider sharing the image on social media or with a family member or friend. Include how you feel Jesus Christ embodies the attribute you choose.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help increase your desire to learn about Jesus Christ by studying Isaiah.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • The diagram you created with titles of Jesus Christ.

  • The Christlike attribute and image you found. Include how Jesus Christ embodies this attribute in your life.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?