He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“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.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21)
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners”…
Background
Jesus ministry at last was now formally starting. He had recently been baptized. The next step was to spend 40 days in the wilderness fasting. It was now time for another important event. It was time to make clear to everyone his mission.
Mission statements are important markers. They provide clarity about focus. Jesus formal ministry was going to be short. Every minute mattered. And this scripture clearly lays out his mission during those few years. There were 5 primary areas of focus:
- Proclaim good news to the poor
- Proclaim freedom for the prisoners
- Provide recovery of sight for the blind
- Set the oppressed free
- Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
Two of the items on this list are very similar. He was purposed to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to set the oppressed free. Simply, one of Jesus most important priorities was to come as a freedom fighter, or jail breaker. To release people from bondage. To provide hope.
Reflections
We live in a world that is increasingly ensnared and enslaved. Illicit drugs. Prescription drugs. Porn. Alcohol. Tobacco. Food. Video games. Social media. And there are others.
People continue to look for escapes to dull their pain. Finding temporary relief in substitutes. Substitutes that in time are found to come with invisible handcuffs and padlocks. Substitutes that start innocent enough. But all too often over time immobilize.
If you are entrapped or enslaved and feel like freedom has been elusive, ask Jesus to come to your cell. Be expectant. Have hope. He is in the rescue business. The great jail breaker is coming.
Lord, so many in the church have entered into activities that have separated them from You. Activities that bring endless shame and guilt. Activities that distance them from you. Activities that threaten the great plans you have authored for their lives. Help them not to give up. Please give them hope. Answer their prayers. Demonstrate your power. Be glorified in your chain and bondage breaking authority. You are more than able. Amen.
What if the world came to see time and time again Jesus jail breaking power?
What if the Christian community sought to leave their jail cell and throw off their chains?
What if... 