Read Luke 4:16-21 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What did Jesus come to do?
2. What did He say had been fulfilled?
3. Who did Jesus come for?
Reflect
The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s promises of coming hope and restoration to the Israelites who were oppressed, defeated, and taken into exile by Babylon. This marked one of the dark times in Israel’s history, as God’s people were taken out of the land He’d given them as a part of His special covenant with them. Yet in this darkness, His light still shined: He hadn’t forgotten them in their exile, and help was coming.
Today’s world can feel like total darkness. We don’t have to look far to find something broken or someone hurting. Yet this is the very world Jesus stepped into, and He’s here to bring hope, help, and restoration. He has good news for those held captive and oppressed by despair. He hasn’t forgotten about us.
When all you can see around you is darkness, brokenness, and pain, look up toward Jesus. He sees you, no matter what you’re walking through. He came to bring you hope. He offers you forgiveness of your sins and eternal life – when He returns, all will be made right, and you will live with Him in perfect peace forever.
Respond
In your own words, what is the good news that Jesus brings? How have you experienced His hope or healing in your own life? Who can you share the good news with this week? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the hope He has brought through Jesus.