It is often said that Jesus has influenced the world more than any other person. But what was Jesus’ intent? What did Jesus actually say about himself and about his work? In his manifesto, recorded by Luke, we have these two questions answered in Jesus’ own words. These autobiographical verses enable us to understand not only who Jesus is and why he came, but also where we should be focused and what we should be doing if we are to engage in his work.
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
