Sunday 26 January 2025
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (vs 18-19)
Background
In Luke’s version of the gospel story, Jesus ‘begins his work’ (Luke 3:23) when he is about 30 years old. After his baptism by John, Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness being tested, and then returns to his home district of Galilee, north of Jerusalem. He teaches in the local synagogues and is well received there (4:15). In Nazareth, the small town where he grew up, Jesus attends the synagogue on the sabbath. As something of a local celebrity, Jesus is invited to choose and read a passage of Scripture as part of the sabbath worship. He selects verses from Isaiah 61, following the custom of standing to read from the scroll and then sitting down to offer an interpretation.
Here Jesus applies to himself the words of a prophet from an earlier time – perhaps 500 years or so before Jesus’ own lifetime. The quotation from Isaiah 61:1–2 is not exact, although it is close to the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint. As recorded by Luke, Jesus adds a phrase from Isaiah 58:6 about letting the oppressed go free and leaves out the final part of Isaiah 61:2, which speaks of divine vengeance. Perhaps Jesus (and Luke) wants to emphasise God’s grace and forgiveness.
Luke 4:18-19 has been described as a manifesto or mission statement by Jesus, setting out his priorities and understanding of his appointed task. Themes of healing, liberation and concern for the poor run through Luke’s Gospel (see, for instance Luke 5:12-15, 6:20, 16:19-31). Luke also emphasises that Jesus is filled with God’s Spirit (4:14 and 18). In his sequel, the Book of Acts, Luke shows how the first Christians continue this Spirit-filled ministry.
The next verses tell how the people in the synagogue are initially surprised and impressed by what Jesus says, but then are angered by his sharp words. Thus the scene is set for the challenge of Jesus’ teaching and claims.
To Ponder:
- What might God be calling you to say and do today? This week? This year?
- How might you bring good news to the poor? How might you be good news to the poor?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the good news of liberation and healing. Help us to receive your message, to know its truth in our lives, and to share it with others. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Martin Wellings
Martin Wellings is a Methodist presbyter, serving in north London.