Read Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:16-21
“..He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1)
The prophecy about the Messiah must have triggered a lot of expectation for the Israelites. They wanted to be free from literal slavery and the savior they imagined had to be someone who could make it happen. I wonder if they thought that this savior could heal their broken hearts or set them free from the slavery within.
When Jesus the Messiah eventually appeared on the scene, they didn’t recognize Him. They knew the prophecy (at least the teachers of the law did) but they couldn’t reconcile Jesus with what the prophets said. He didn’t have an army, He shared no strategies to defeat Rome: it couldn’t be Him.
I had my own underestimations and confused expectations of who Jesus should be. He was first introduced to me as someone who died so that I wouldn’t go to hell. Then something started happening in me as I discovered that Jesus is way more than the world’s atoning sacrifice: He is my personal Jesus. He is the one who sees deep into my soul with love; He is my deliverer and my safe place. He is my reliable friend. Experiencing Jesus this way makes life worth living right now, and it gives joyful anticipation of eternity.
Jesus pointed out to everyone as He walked the earth that He came for something deeper than He would be acknowledged for. He is still trying to show us that we don’t have to stay broken, and oppressed. He wants us to see that He is who we need. His sacrifice covers everything.
DIG DEEPER:
- When you reflect on the hurting spaces in your life, do you consider Jesus as your willing and able healer?
- How can you show that you truly believe He has the ability to bring healing to these areas of your life?
written by Tolu Osemwegie
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