Memory Verse: Week of April 23rd

Week of April 23^rd

Luke 4:18–19

            [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

                        because he has anointed me

                        to proclaim good news to the poor.

            He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

                        and recovering of sight to the blind,

                        to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

            [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19 ESV)

[Context:  What a great description of sin and the Savior!   This is the passage that Jesus read in the synagogue in Nazareth.  He was reading from the scroll of Isaiah (from Isaiah 61:1-2).   He then said that this Scripture was now fulfilled in Him and His coming – ultimately in what he would accomplish in his death on the cross and in his resurrection.   Sin truly is poverty as we are spiritually bankrupt, with no resources or ability within ourselves to overcome.  Sin truly is captivity, as we are slaves of sin, with no means of escape or release or ever paying off our debt.  Sin truly is blindness, where we do not see God for who he really is – our good and all-wise Creator with an invitation to redemption into a far deeper love relationship.  Sin truly is oppressive and burdensome; ultimately destroying everything.   Jesus truly is our favour – our “Jubilee” that sets the captive free – releasing all debts, for He himself became poor for us, that we might become rich in Him.  He let himself be captured and bound, so we could be set free.  He stepped into darkness that we might be brought into his Kingdom of light.  He was oppressed all the way to a humiliating death on a cross, that we might have all our burdens lifted from us. He was crushed so we could be exalted as sons and daughters of God his Father!   He has indeed proclaimed good news to us! ]