The Risen Root of Jesse

Last Easter Sunday, we opened God’s Word not in the Gospels, but in the scrolls of Isaiah—specifically, Isaiah 11:1-6. The message was titled “The Risen Root of Jesse,” and it invited us to behold the beauty of the resurrection through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah, written centuries before the empty tomb.

Isaiah paints a powerful picture:

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1)

The imagery here is not coincidental. It’s rich with resurrection meaning.

Consider the olive tree — one of the most frequently mentioned plants in all of Scripture. When an olive tree grows old and reaches its maximum production, it is often cut down by farmers in order to stimulate future growth. But here’s the remarkable part: even when an olive tree is cut down or burned all the way to the ground, it can still live. In time, new shoots begin to sprout from the stump, and the tree lives on—stronger and more fruitful than before.

This is a living metaphor for what Jesus accomplished.

Just like that tree, Jesus was cut down in death, but He did not remain dead. He rose again—bringing life out of what seemed like total loss. He is the shoot from the stump of Jesse, the promised Messiah, the eternal King who brings fruit from what was once thought dead.

And here’s where hope floods the story: after the pressing, after the crushing, after the death—new life sprang forth. Jesus rose from the grave, just as Isaiah foretold. And when He rose, He breathed new life into His followers.

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” (John 20:22)

Just as Isaiah said in verse 2, “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him”—this was fulfilled not only in Jesus’ baptism but also in His resurrection when He breathed that same Spirit upon His disciples.

When everything in your life is hewn down to nothing, Jesus remains as the branch that flourishes eternally.

This Easter season, may we live with that truth planted deep in our hearts. Jesus is not just risen—He is reigning, and His Spirit dwells within us. Life springs from what seemed dead, and hope is never lost when our roots are in Him.

He is the Risen Root of Jesse. Let us bear fruit in His name.

---

Caleb Phelps is the pastor of Faith Baptist Church. This article first appeared in the Faith Baptist newsletter. We republish it here with permission.

---

Image created with Adobe Express.