Scripture
Then Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the region.

Observation
After fasting and being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Galilee full of the power of the Holy Spirit. People flock to hear him teach in the synagogues.

Jesus goes to Nazareth, and on the Sabbath, he reads the text for the day- Isaiah 61:1-2.

He then says “This Scripture is fulfilled right now.”

Application
Some people have described this passage from Isaiah as the mission statement for Jesus, and, therefore for us, his followers:

– Anointed to bring Good News to the poor
– proclaim freedom to the captives
– bring sight to the blind
– free the oppressed
– proclaim the year of God's favour.

Each of us has a different part to play in this mission, but we must all play a part.

It's not enough to just turn up at church. Jesus is calling us to a lifestyle in which the mission of the Kingdom is lived out.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to see how to live for your Kingdom and not just my self-centred goals. Who are the poor, the blind, the oppressed, the captives that you want me to see and to minister to? Amen.