Beech Tree News Network

Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19)

The poor lack the self-satisfaction and complacency that prosperity brings. The poor feel the need for comfort beyond what this world offers. The poor in spirit have a real sense of their sinfulness. Jesus came to proclaim Good News to “those who feel their spiritual poverty” and seek God’s mercy.

Those who need the gospel are captives. Prisoners to sin and prisoners to death (Romans 6:6-9). Christ sets free from spiritual bondage (Romans 6:16-22). He liberates those who were “helpless” on their own (Romans 5:6). Jesus offers freedom from sin and death. 

He came to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. He literally, physically healed the blind, but His mission was to heal the world of moral and spiritual blindness. The gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Light (Luke 1:4-9) and the Light of the World (Luke 8:12). Jesus is the answer to world that is in darkness.

He was anointed to liberate the oppressed, those who have been crushed and broken by sin. Sin destroys. Sin brings misery. Sin brings shame and guilt. Sin “presses down” on the contrite. Christ restores those who come to Him. He relieves the pressure.

Jesus alludes to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-17). A time when bond servants were set free and seized land was returned. An event that was “intended to typify the messianic liberation” (Butler). Good news, freedom, healing, and restoration make this a favorable year of the Lord.

“And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words…” (Luke 4:20-22).

To those who feel their sinfulness, who feel imprisoned and helpless, who long to escape the darkness and be free of the crushing weight of guilt, His words are marvelous and gracious.