Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ inaugural address in the synagogue in Nazareth, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares His mission on earth. It outlines the core of His ministry:
- Proclaiming Good News to the Poor: Jesus came to bring hope and salvation to the marginalized and those in need, emphasizing that His message is for everyone, especially the poor and downtrodden.
- Freedom for the Prisoners: This refers to both literal and metaphorical imprisonment. Jesus offers freedom from physical imprisonment and liberation from spiritual bondage.
- Recovery of Sight for the Blind: This symbolizes both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment. Jesus’ miracles include giving sight to the physically blind, but also revealing spiritual truths to those who are spiritually blind.
- Setting the Oppressed Free: Jesus’ mission involves delivering those who are oppressed by injustice and sin, promising a release from their burdens.
- Proclaiming the Year of the Lord’s Favor: This alludes to the Jubilee year mentioned in Leviticus 25, a time of restoration and forgiveness. Jesus announces that this time of grace and favor is now realized in Him.