What I’m Thinking: Foundation for Ministry

Speaking in his home town synagogue, Jesus declared that prophecy was fulfilled in their hearing: release for the captives, healing for the suffering, good news for the poor. That’s the foundation of his ministry.

Here’s a transcript:

I think the Church of the Holy Cross is very blessed to have a special guest preacher this week. The Rev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, the President of Pacific School of Religion, is visiting Hawai’i, and he will be offering the message this coming Sunday. I’m really looking forward to that.

I’m also thinking about the fourth chapter of Luke (Luke 4:14-21): Jesus’ sermon in the synagogue in Nazareth. He read a Scripture (Isaiah 61:1-2a), then sat down and said that, “These words have been fulfilled in your hearing.”

And what did he read?

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 favor.

This is the foundation of Jesus’ ministry: Freedom. Release. Recovery. And good news to the ones who are most desperate.

This is the foundation: God’s blessing upon the people who thought that they were held separate from everything that God might bring.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear about what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.