Good News!

July 08, 2024 Monday Message:

Luke 4:17a NLT: “The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Jesus.”

As we’d expect, Jesus was in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. It was considered an honor to be asked to read from the ancient scriptures, and Jesus was handed the prophesies documented by Isaiah, whose ministry began about 740BC. In other words, these words were written over 700 years BEFORE the birth of Jesus! Pretty distant prediction, but it all plays out right here!

Jesus read: “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, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Jesus was claiming that this ancient prediction applied to him! “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Blasphemy to many, but today we know it to be true! Those words perfectly describe Jesus’ mission in walking alongside mankind. “Gospel” translates as “Good News,” which Jesus brings to the poor who previously had no hope. Remember, the first will be last and the last will be first in this juxtaposition of pecking order. Diseases will be healed; the blind will see; the deaf will hear! Those who were slaves or were jailed unfairly will be set free. As sinners, we were slaves to Satan, but Jesus came to set everyone free by paying the ransom for the sins of the world!

When we enter the next reality, simply explain that Jesus has already prepared a place for you. Jesus is the guy just off to God’s right!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship