Luke 4:16-21
Jesus came out in the power of the Spirit (15). He refused to abuse position or power. Upon returning to
Nazareth, He resumed His pattern: “…and as was His custom, He enter the synagogue on the
Sabbath, and stood up to read.” (16b). In context of faithfulness to spiritual disciplines (good roots), He
revealed the purpose of spiritual fullness.
“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 TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF
THE LORD.” (18-19) Power given to Jesus, not for self-service or self-promotion, but for serving the
needs of those held captive by sin and satan. Let us be filled with God’s Spirit so we might fulfill God’s
purpose in serving the real needs of humanity!