Here it begins. Jesus’ public ministry is set in motion when He picks up the scrolls in the tabernacle at Nazareth and reads from Isaiah Chapter 61—the prophecy concerning the Messiah. It is here that Jesus explains the purpose of His mission on earth: “To bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives…to recover the sight of the blind (both physically and spiritually)…to let the oppressed go free.”
In this statement of His mission, Jesus is announcing that He is the Messiah they had been waiting for. He is proclaiming values He knows to be important to God: mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love and justice.
Over the next three years of His life, Jesus fulfilled this mission perfectly. Justice, fairness and a concern for the poor characterized His life and teachings and He was constantly challenging others to do the same.
Today, God expects our lives and faith communities to be characterized by these same authentic signs of our faith. He is calling each of us to take up His mission as our own.
Prayer Points:
- Break my heart for the things that break the heart of God.
- Open my eyes to people and situations that need justice.
- Give me strength to live and proclaim Jesus’ mission to all.
Luke 11:42, Isaiah 61, Matthew 11:5
