I know the passage perfectly well - both from the Gospel and Isaiah. 
What I can't see is why you think this does not make him a religious figure.
I suspect we are understanding that phrase differently. What do you think is meant by 'religious figure'? I think it means someone who is trying to bring us and God back together again. There are a huge range of people who have tried /are trying to do this in very many different ways, some of which have been more effective than others!.