Scripture to Read: Luke 4:17–19
The typical order of service in a synagogue often began with prayers and blessings, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and supremacy. Then the “Shema,” a declaration of faith in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4–9), was recited. Often, portions of the Torah (the first five books of the Pentateuch, attributed to Moses) were read. Then, a selection from the Prophets was read, known as the “Haftarah” (a series of selections from the books of Nevi’im of the Hebrew Bible that is publicly read in synagogue as part of Jewish religious practice). Next, a teacher or rabbi would often provide interpretation and teaching based on the readings. So, God had Luke record in Luke 4:17–19, “17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18 ‘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, 19 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.’” Jesus read from the Book of Isaiah 61:1–2. Jesus read one of the prophecies about Himself, but of course the people had no idea. There are over 400 prophecies about our Lord in the Old Testament, and Jesus came and fulfilled almost all that has been prophesied about Him. The probability of one man fulfilling just eight of those 400-plus prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th power and Jesus fulfilled all but a few.
Challenge & Application
We know Jesus came to proclaim release to the captives, but who are the captives and what are they released from?
Who are the oppressed in Luke 4:18, and how are they set free from their oppression?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!