Jim's Devotional - November 13

Jesus’ first public sermon is found in Luke, chapter four verse 18, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty
those who are oppressed;”

Let’s take a few days to look at this wonderful sermon. For reference, Jesus was quoting Isaiah 61:1&2. Isaiah gives a lot more than does Luke, so I encourage you to read both.

Jesus starts His message by declaring that the Spirit of the Lord has given Him power and His presence to preach good news to the poor. The poor here is not referring to impoverished people but rather to those who are apathetic or hopeless.

There are several previous devotions concerning hope. Let it suffice to say that Jesus wants us to have and has provided the means for hope to His people.