The Wolf Shall Be a Guest of the Lamb
Isaiah 11 and the Kingdom That Has Already Begun
Isaiah 11:1–10 presents one of Scripture’s most vivid images of peace:
predators resting with prey, a child leading wild animal, and creation free from harm.
At first glance, this prophecy appears to describe only a distant future—the new heavens and the new earth. Yet the Church teaches that Isaiah’s vision is fulfilled in two stages:
already in Christ’s first coming, and not yet in its final completion.
1. Christ, the Branch from Jesse
Isaiah begins with a promise:
“A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,
and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (Is 11:1)
The Church has always recognized this “Branch” as Jesus Christ, born of the house of David.
The Catechism confirms:
“Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s messianic hope.” (CCC 436)
Christ does not merely announce the Kingdom—He brings it.
Where Christ reigns, Isaiah’s peace begins to take shape.
2. The Wolf and the Lamb: A Moral and Spiritual Fulfillment
The Fathers of the Church consistently interpret the animals in Isaiah 11 as symbolic of human transformation.
St. Jerome writes:
“The wolf and the lamb are men formerly at odds, now reconciled through Christ.”
St. Augustine, in The City of God, explains that the wild beasts represent violent or sinful people who are made gentle by grace.
Scripture supports this interpretation:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Cor 5:17)
“He is our peace… breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.” (Eph 2:14)
Through the Gospel, enemies become brothers, and the violent learn restraint.
This is not fantasy—it is the real moral power of grace.
3. The Kingdom Is Already Here
Jesus teaches clearly:
“The Kingdom of God is among you.” (Lk 17:21)
“Now is the judgment of this world.” (Jn 12:31)
The Catechism explains:
“The Kingdom of God lies ahead of us… but it is also present in a mysterious way.” (CCC 670)
Wherever sin is resisted, forgiveness offered, and charity lived, Isaiah’s vision is already fulfilled.
Every Christian household, parish, and community is called to become a sign of this Kingdom—imperfect but real.
4. A Child Shall Lead Them
Isaiah places a child at the center of the prophecy:
“A little child shall guide them.” (Is 11:6)
This points first to Christ Himself, born in humility.
But it also reflects Christ’s teaching:
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:3)
The Kingdom advances not through domination, but through humility, gentleness, and trust.
The strong are called to restrain themselves so the vulnerable may live in peace.
5. The Not Yet: The Fulfillment Still to Come
Despite its present reality, Isaiah’s prophecy is not yet complete.
There is still violence.
Still division.
Still suffering.
The Catechism teaches:
“The Kingdom will not be fulfilled… except by God’s victory over the final unleashing of evil.” (CCC 677)
Isaiah’s promise points forward to:
the resurrection of the body
the renewal of creation
the New Heavens and the New Earth (Rev 21:1–4)
Only then will there be no harm or ruin in any sense.
6. Formation for Today
Isaiah 11 forms our Christian conscience.
It teaches us:
peace begins in the heart before it appears in the world
strength is shown through self-mastery
homes are meant to be “holy mountains” where children grow without fear
St. Joseph lived this prophecy silently—protecting, providing, and creating a space where Christ could grow.
Conclusion
Isaiah’s vision is neither myth nor mere future hope.
Christ has already begun to fulfill it.
Christ will one day complete it.
Until then, the Church lives in the tension—bearing witness to a Kingdom already present and still coming.
“The earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord
as water covers the sea.” (Is 11:9)