Luke 4:18-21 NLT
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, [19] and that the time of the LORD's favour has come." [20] He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at Him intently. [21] Then He began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"
Why did people rush to listen to what Jesus had to say?
They even forgot to bring a packed lunch - His words meant more than food to their tyrannised lives.
They even followed Him out to the lonely places in order to be near Him.
In the midst of the Roman occupation, where there was no freedom and exorbitant taxation, no free NHS to aid recovery and the Synagogues were led by hypocrites - Jesus arrives!
Life had been sapped of hope.
Sounds familiar? ...Weak and clueless governments, church leaders who can't discern Biblical truth, looming wars and conflicts, diseases out of control, natural disasters causing complex problems....
Today life is a struggle for the poor, but a breeze for the rich and powerful.
Many can't make sense of their existence, it's devoid of meaning.
Then hear afresh the words of Jesus - He turns the world's values upside down and brings hope to the helpless:
Matthew 5:3-12 NLT
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [4] God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. [6] God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. [7] God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. [9] God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [11] "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. [12] Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Share the hope!
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