1. POWER (Luke 4:18)  

The first thing Jesus mentioned is the source of power (Acts 1:8). He is the Holy Spirit, the third Person in the Godhead and He’s real. The purpose for having power in the Holy Spirit, in the case of the Christian life, is to be a witness. A “witness” is someone who claims to have heard or seen what happened and has firsthand knowledge.  

Before Jesus mentioned all the things He came to do, He first spoke about the Holy Spirit. This is worth-noting for Jesus modeled to us the Spirit-filled and Spirit-empowered life (Luke 4:1-2). Many times, we will experience seasons in the wilderness. We will be tempted as Jesus was. While Jesus did not sin in these moments of temptation, we, having the sinful nature, will still fall. 

What do we do when we sin? Dr. Bill Bright came up with the term “Spiritual Breathing” which is to “exhale” or confess (1 John 1:9) and to “inhale” or be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The result is a Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22-23).  

2. PRIVILEGE (Luke 4:18-19)  

The Christian life is a privileged life because it’s by grace alone. We are called “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). An “ambassador” is a trusted and respected person authorized to speak as God’s emissary. The appeal is walk alongside people and tell of God’s desire for them to be reconciled to Him. Jesus says our job as an ambassador is to:  

• Preach The Gospel to The Poor 

Announce the good news to anyone who is spiritually bankrupt, which refers to anyone without Christ (Luke 12:16-21). Introduce people to Him who is the greatest treasure in the universe – Jesus.  

• Proclaim Release to The Captives 

We are just like Barabbas, a murderer, who was set free because Jesus took our place on that cruel cross (Luke 23:18-19,25). Introduce people to the One who unlocks the jail cell people are in that is called sin.  

• Proclaim Recovery of Sight to The Blind 

Bartimaeus called out to Jesus (Mark 10:46-48). He knew Jesus was his only hope. He acknowledged Jesus for who He claimed to be— the Son of David, his Messiah and Savior. He acknowledged his helplessness (Mark 10:51-52). Bring people to the sight-giver that is Christ. We also have the privilege of watching people begin to follow Him!  

• Set Free Those Who Are Oppressed 

The general meaning of “oppressed” refers to people whose lives are broken and shattered. Jesus came to set them free (Luke 8:26-27,35). This whole world is under the control of the evil one. Without Jesus in our life, we are prone to follow the devil’s schemes instead of God’s blueprint. Bring people to Jesus who sets the oppressed free!

• Proclaim The Favorable Year of The Lord 

Proclaiming the favorable year of the Lord (Luke 4:19) is simply telling people that they are loved by One who is infinitely great and infinitely powerful—the King of kings and Lord of lords.  

3. PERIL (Luke 4:22-30)  

Jesus sets expectations clear throughout His word about how it is becoming His ambassador. Anyone who has decided to follow Christ will get to experience trials and difficulties (1 Peter 5:8-9).  

Jesus did not have a hometown advantage (vv.22-24). He said to the Jews that He’ll take His kingdom’s business elsewhere—to the Gentiles (vv.25-27). He faced opposition (vv.28-30). There will be peril in our living the Christian life according to God’s blueprint.  

Do you know anyone who is spiritually bankrupt? Captive to a sinful lifestyle? Blind to the truth of God? Oppressed and broken? In need of the favorable year of the Lord? What will you do about it? This 2024, live out God’s blueprint for your life!