“…He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind.” (Luke 4:18b)
Leading weekly Bible studies in Wisconsin prisons gives me time to study Scripture with men incarcerated for crimes often having occurred decades prior. These men live lives of isolation within the walls of prison. Occasionally a man will tell me he is in the process of seeking parole. The prison resident is pursuing a path that may eventually result in release from prison; it is a long ordeal often accompanied by the disappointment of parole denied. However, that does not stop men from hoping that one day, they will receive the State of Wisconsin’s favor and be released, set free to become freed men—their debt to society atoned for.
Today’s passage also speaks of hope, favor, and release. Jesus strides into his hometown’s synagogue speaking the favor of God on the assembled crowd. Reading the prophet Isaiah’s Hebrew text (Isaiah 40:3-5, penned seven centuries prior), Jesus‚ speaking in Aramaic, proclaims freedom, recovery, release in saying, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (vs. 21). What words! What remarkably good news announced by this rabbi, Jesus. Release from bondage. Freedom established. A future secured. A new kingdom.
We do not know what other words Jesus might have spoken in His sermon, but we do read that His listeners “spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words” (vs. 22). Jesus’ proclamation of the good news was the announcement of a new kingdom coming. With that comes God’s healing and release from bondage, disease, and marginalization.
Multiple times I have heard a man testify in a prison Bible study of his gratefulness for being incarcerated. Recently one man smiled and he said, “Pastor Paul, I’ve found true freedom and real healin’ in this place. Ain’t nothin’ can take that from me! Nothin’. These walls can’t stop me from followin’ my Jesus.” I don’t know how long my friend will remain imprisoned, but I know he lives as a freed man encircled by concrete walls and razor wire. The good news of the risen Christ promises him and us recovery, release, and healing within life’s often trying situations. We can celebrate that “today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
For reflection:
- As we approach Resurrection Sunday, take time to list three “freedoms” you have received from Jesus in your walk with Him over the years.
by Paul Sinclair
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