Jesus announced that His mission includes the poor, the broken, the captive, and the oppressed.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”Luke 4:18 (KJV)
What does “Good news to the poor” mean in Luke 4:18?
Jesus read this passage from Isaiah in His hometown synagogue and then said it was fulfilled in Him. It describes the shape of His ministry and sets the agenda for those who follow Him.
Going deeper
Jesus read, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. It is a list of people who are often overlooked: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captive, the blind, the bruised. Jesus came especially for them, and He said that this was His mission statement.
If we follow Him, this is our concern too. Ask who fits these descriptions near you. Who is poor, brokenhearted, trapped, or bruised? Look for one way to bring good news to them, in word and in deed. It might be supporting a ministry, spending time with someone lonely, or helping someone with a practical need. Share the hope of Jesus, and share His care. Good news is meant to be seen as well as heard.
Reflect
Whom near you fits Jesus' description, and how could you bring good news to them?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to the poor and the broken. Use me to bring good news and to bind up the brokenhearted. In Jesus' name, amen.
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