Tag: Luke 4:18-21
Anointed to preach Good News!
Scripture reading for October 21: Luke 3-6
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” “Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21
Not much is recorded about the life of Jesus from twelve years old until He was baptized by John at the age of thirty. We know that He worked with Joseph for part of that time in their carpenter shop. He took part in normal family life and community life in the town of Nazareth. Can you imagine eating off of a table that Jesus had made? Or using an ox yoke that He had crafted? The Son of God learned about our struggles doing menial labor for ordinary people! This was part of His preparation for the ministry of preaching the Good News to the lost of the world!
At the proper time, Jesus went down to the Jordan River to where John the Baptist was baptizing those who would repent. John had spoken of One Who would come after him Whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. When John saw Jesus, he immediately knew that He was this One! (John 1:29) Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. A Voice from heaven declared: “You are My Son, Whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) God loved His Son and anointed Him with the Gift of His Spirit to empower His preaching.
Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. For forty days, Jesus fasted all food. Satan came to tempt Him and each time, Jesus quoted Scripture to defeat him. He was successful against the temptations of Satan through living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When he arrived back in Nazareth at His home synagogue, He was invited to read from the scroll of Isaiah 61:1-2. He read the words quoted to begin this devotion. The Spirit had anointed Him to preach the Good News and proclaim freedom to all who would hear. He was to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. This Scripture was fulfilled in the hearing of those present that day in Nazareth! (Luke 4:21)
The anointing of the Holy Spirit indwelling Jesus Christ is for us today! The Holy Spirit will do even greater things in our lives because Jesus has gone to the Father! (John 14:12-13) Ask boldly in faith!