Anointed to Proclaim the Acceptable Year of the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke, we meet a powerful declaration by Jesus that encapsulates His mission and purpose. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted. He has sent me to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind. He has sent me to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19, KJV). This profound statement is drawn from Isaiah 61. It marks the beginning of His public ministry. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding His divine calling.

The Anointing of Christ

The word “anointed” signifies being set apart and empowered by God for a specific purpose. In biblical times, anointing with oil was a symbolic act. It was used to consecrate individuals for sacred duties like priests, prophets, and kings. Jesus, though, was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit. This anointing affirmed His divine authority and equipped Him to carry out His redemptive mission.

The phrase “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me” highlights the close relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus began His earthly ministry at His baptism in the Jordan River. The Spirit descended upon Him like a dove (Luke 3:22). He operated under the guidance and power of the Spirit. This divine partnership underscores the significance of spiritual empowerment in fulfilling God’s work.

Proclaiming the Gospel to the Poor

One of the key aspects of Jesus’ mission was to “preach the gospel to the poor.” The term “poor” here extends beyond material poverty. It includes those who are spiritually destitute. It also encompasses the marginalized and those in need of hope. Jesus’ message was one of inclusion and restoration, offering salvation to all who would accept it. His ministry consistently demonstrated compassion for those society often overlooked—the outcasts, sinners, and downtrodden.

Also read: Day 17: Anointed to Liberate the Oppressed

As followers of Christ, we are called to continue His work by sharing the good news with those in need. This requires not only proclaiming the message of salvation but also embodying Christ’s love and compassion in our actions.

Healing and Deliverance

Jesus was sent “to heal the brokenhearted” and “to preach deliverance to the captives.” These words speak to His role as a healer and liberator. Throughout His ministry, He brought physical healing to the sick. He provided emotional healing to the grieving. He offered spiritual freedom to those burdened by sin and oppression.

The concept of deliverance is particularly significant in understanding Christ’s mission. He came to break the chains of sin and set humanity free from its power. This freedom is not limited to spiritual bondage. It extends to every area of life where individuals experience oppression or captivity. As Christians, we are invited to experience this freedom personally and share it with others.

The Acceptable Year of the Lord

The phrase “the acceptable year of the Lord” refers to a time of divine favor and grace. It is often linked to the Year of Jubilee in Levitical law (Leviticus 25). During this time, debts were forgiven. Slaves were freed, and land was restored. Jesus’ proclamation signals that He is ushering in a new era—a spiritual Jubilee—where God’s grace is made available to all.

This declaration is both a promise and a call to action. It reminds us that we live in a time of grace where salvation is freely offered through Christ. At the same time, it challenges us to show God’s heart by promoting justice, mercy, and reconciliation in our communities.

A Call to Prayer

As we meditate on Luke 4:18-19, let us approach God in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was anointed to bring good news to the poor, healing to the brokenhearted, and freedom to the captives. Help us to walk in His example, empowered by Your Spirit to share Your love and truth with those around us. May we be instruments of Your grace in a world that so desperately needs it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflecting on Our Role

The mission of Christ is not confined to His earthly ministry; it continues through us as His followers. We are called to be His hands and feet in a broken world. We must proclaim hope. We should bring healing and work toward justice. Let us seek God’s guidance daily as we strive to fulfill this calling with humility and faithfulness.

In conclusion, Luke 4:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative work of Christ. It also reminds us of our role in carrying it onward. May we embrace our calling with courage. Let us have conviction as we trust in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It will guide us every step of the way.