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.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

“good news to the poor … 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.”

Do I really believe Jesus came to do all of this for me? 1) Where am I poor? And I poor financially, relationally, mentally, physically, spiritually? Jesus can provide for all of these needs. It is why he came. 2) Where am I in bondage? Am I physically bound in an oppressive situation? Does sin (i.e., bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or cheating) hold me in chains in a prison cell in my heart? Have past heartache or abuse robbed me of my joy in life? Jesus came to set me free! 3) Have the promises of the world, the politically correct positions of the day, or the pursuit of fame, money, or power left me blind to what really matters to God in life? Jesus came to give us spiritual sight! 4) Do I find that life is oppressive, that there are forces that always seem to drag me down, that evil surrounds me? Jesus came to set me free from oppression and help me to truly live a new life in him, alive, vibrant, and full of joy! 5) Is my outlook on the world sour or full of disappointment and a lack of hope? Take heart, my soul! Jesus is declaring this a year of the Lord’s favor. The harvest will be great! “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” (Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭36‬-‭38‬)‬‬ Jesus is here for me in all of these great ways today just as he was there for his friends and neighbors back then. He is here for you too. Do you believe it? Take it and run … for a new life awaits us if we believe!

Lord, thank you for your wonderful promises here about what Jesus would do and will continue to do. May you transform my heart to believe it in the ups and downs and activities of my day!