Release to the Captives

And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 

    "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,

         BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.

         HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,

         AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,

         TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 

    TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."

Luke 4:17-19

Jesus began His public ministry by teaching in the synagogues. On one particular Sabbath He entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from the book of Isaiah. The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophetic words had come at last. Jesus preached the gospel wherever He traveled, offering salvation to whomever would receive it. Those who recognized their poverty of spirit caused by the bondage of sin would accept His words and follow Him. The chains of their captivity would fall away. Their eyes, once blind to the sin that oppressed them, would be opened to the truth of their imprisonment. They would look to their Redeemer and  would at last be set free. It was God's favor -- His love -- that made this possible. His love still makes it possible. Jesus is still the Proclaimer of truth. His gospel is as alive today as it was 2,000 years ago, and those who receive it experience the freedom only He can give. No longer bound by sin. Release to the captives. What a Savior!