Luke 4:18
Verse
Context
The Rejection at Nazareth
17the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord - This is found in Isa 61:1; but our Lord immediately adds to it Isa 42:7. The proclaiming of liberty to the captives, and the acceptable year (or year of acceptance) of the Lord, is a manifest allusion to the proclaiming of the year of jubilee by sound of trumpet: see Lev 25:8 (note), etc., and the notes there. This was a year of general release of debts and obligations; of bond-men and women; of lands and possessions, which had been sold from the families and tribes to which they belonged. Our Savior, by applying this text to himself, a text so manifestly relating to the institution above mentioned, plainly declares the typical design of that institution. - Lowth. He hath anointed me - I have been designed and set apart for this very purpose; my sole business among men is to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, etc. All the functions of this new prophet are exercised on the hearts of men; and the grace by which he works in the heart is a grace of healing, deliverance, and illumination; which, by an admirable virtue, causes them to pass from sickness to health, from slavery to liberty, from darkness to light, and from the lowest degrees of misery to supreme eternal happiness. See Quesnel. To those who feel their spiritual poverty, whose hearts are broken through a sense of their sins, who see themselves tied and bound with the chains of many evil habits, who sit in the darkness of guilt and misery, without a friendly hand to lead them in the way in which they should go - to these, the Gospel of the grace of Christ is a pleasing sound, because a present and full salvation is proclaimed by it; and the present is shown to be the acceptable year of the Lord; the year, the time, in which he saves to the uttermost all who come unto him in the name of his Son Jesus. Reader! what dost thou feel? Sin-wretchedness-misery of every description? Then come to Jesus - He will save Thee - he came into the world for this very purpose. Cast thy soul upon him, and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To have fixed on any passage announcing His sufferings (as Isa 53:1-12), would have been unsuitable at that early stage of His ministry. But He selects a passage announcing the sublime object of His whole mission, its divine character, and His special endowments for it; expressed in the first person, and so singularly adapted to the first opening of the mouth in His prophetic capacity, that it seems as if made expressly for this occasion. It is from the well-known section of Isaiah's prophecies whose burden is that mysterious "SERVANT OF THE LORD," despised of man, abhorred of the nation, but before whom kings on seeing Him are to arise, and princes to worship; in visage more marred than any man and His form than the sons of men, yet sprinkling many nations; laboring seemingly in vain, and spending His strength for naught and in vain, yet Jehovah's Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and be His Salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:1-26, &c.). The quotation is chiefly from the Septuagint version, used in the synagogues.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,.... By whom is meant, the third person in the Trinity; so called, to distinguish him from all other spirits; and who was given to Christ as man, without measure, whereby he was qualified for his great work: and intends the Spirit of Jehovah, with all his gifts and graces, who was, and abode on Christ, as a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of might, of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord; he was upon him, and in him, the first moment of his conception, which was by his power; and he visibly descended on him at his baptism; and the phrase denotes the permanency and continuance of him with him: because he hath anointed me; or "that he might anoint me": the Ethiopic version renders it, "by whom he hath anointed me"; for it was with the Holy Ghost he was anointed, as to be king and priest, so likewise to be a prophet: hence he has the name Messiah, which signifies anointed: and this unction he had, in order to preach the Gospel to the poor: in Isaiah it is, "to the meek"; which design the same persons, and mean such as are poor in spirit, and are sensible of their spiritual poverty; have low and humble thoughts of themselves, and of their own righteousness; and seek to Christ for durable riches and true righteousness, and frankly acknowledge that all they have and are, is owing to the grace of God: and generally speaking, these are the poor of this world, and poor in their intellectuals, who have but a small degree of natural wisdom and knowledge: to these the Gospel, or glad tidings of the love, grace, and mercy of God in Christ, of peace, pardon, righteousness, life and salvation by Christ, were preached by him; and that in so clear a manner, and with such power and authority, as never was before, or since; and for this purpose was he anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows: he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted; whose hearts are broken, and made contrite by the word of God, under the influence of the Spirit of God, and with a sense of sin; and are wounded with it, and are humbled for it; and are in great pain and distress, and even inconsolable, and ready to faint and die; for a wounded spirit who can bear? now Christ was sent to heal such persons by his own stripes, by binding up their wounds, by the application of his blood to them, which is a sovereign balm for every wound; by the discoveries of pardoning grace to their souls, and by opening and applying the comfortable promises of the Gospel, by his Spirit, to them: to preach deliverance to the captives; who are captives to sin, Satan, and the law; from which, there is only deliverance by him; who saves his people from their sins, redeems them from the law, and leads captivity captive; and which liberty and deliverance are preached and published in the Gospel, and by Christ the author of them: and recovering of sight to the blind; which in the prophet is, "and the opening of the prison to them that are bound"; and which the Septuagint render, as here in Luke, and the Chaldee paraphrase in part agrees with it, interpreting it thus, "to the prisoners", "be ye revealed to the light" now because persons in prison are in darkness, and see no light, therefore they are represented as blind; and both are the case of sinners, they are in the prison of sin and of the law, and are blind, ignorant, and insensible of their state; until Christ both opens the prison, and sets them free, and opens their eyes, and gives them spiritual sight; when he says to the prisoners go forth, to them that are in darkness show yourselves, Isa 49:9 To set at liberty them that are bruised: these words are not in Isa 61:1 but in the Septuagint version of Isa 58:6 from whence they seem to be taken, or else from Isa 42:7 it being allowable for a reader in the prophets, to skip from place to place, which our Lord here did, in order to explain this passage more fully.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:18-19 The time of the Lord’s favor refers to the Year of Jubilee (Lev 25:8-55), when debts were erased, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. In Isa 61, the Year of Jubilee is a metaphor for God’s salvation.
Luke 4:18
The Rejection at Nazareth
17the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Leonard Ravenhill13K10:23CompilationJER 6:14MAT 5:4MAT 23:37LUK 4:18LUK 6:45LUK 19:41PHP 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's healing. The preacher calls for servants of God who are willing to weep and be brokenhearted for the brokenness they see. He also emphasizes the need for prophets in this generation, drawing examples from the Bible. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of God working through believers, using the apostle Paul as an example of someone who was filled with God's presence and endured persecution.
Chasing the Dragon 1 of 2
By Jackie Pullinger11K43:28TestimonyMAT 6:33MAT 23:37MRK 10:17LUK 4:18LUK 9:23JHN 13:34HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man as described in Mark chapter 10. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by reminding him of the commandments, which the young man claims to have kept since childhood. Jesus then tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to God and letting go of anything that may hinder one's relationship with Him, whether it be wealth or other attachments.
Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned
By Jackie Pullinger9.8K53:19Helping The PoorPSA 102:9PSA 102:18ISA 41:17EZK 16:49MAT 25:35LUK 4:18JAS 2:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family. The speaker reflects on their own experiences of walking through a neighborhood and witnessing the struggles of young people and women. They emphasize the importance of reaching out and showing compassion to those in need, referencing Isaiah 41:17 which speaks about God's promise to answer the cries of the poor and needy. The speaker also reflects on their own privilege and the unfairness they perceive in the world.
Today Inherit the Mind of Christ
By Kathryn Kuhlman8.6K28:09Mind of ChristMAT 3:16MAT 6:33LUK 4:18JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They highlight the significance of Jesus being God in the flesh and how he revealed the clearest understanding of God. The speaker then focuses on the baptism of Jesus, explaining that it was a moment when all three persons of the Trinity were present. They emphasize the joy and power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit and how it is a part of every Christian's inheritance. The sermon concludes by discussing the Holy Spirit's relationship with God the Father and the Son, highlighting the importance of understanding this relationship in the Word of God.
Eyes to See (1 of 2)
By Jackie Pullinger7.5K41:31VisionISA 61:1ZEC 8:5MAT 6:33MAT 11:5MRK 7:33LUK 4:18LUK 14:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing and having a clear vision from the beginning. They share personal experiences of witnessing the plight of the unborn and the struggles of abandoned children. The speaker also discusses their attempts to reach out to people through booklets and invitations to Christian meetings, but realizing that these methods were ineffective. However, when they started living out their faith and demonstrating God's grace, forgiveness, and power, more people were drawn to them. The speaker encourages perseverance in helping others and reminds the audience of the unconditional love and forgiveness they have received from Jesus.
Taking His Place
By Warren Wiersbe4.6K37:21MAT 6:33LUK 4:18LUK 15:14JHN 20:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking the responsibility of evangelism seriously. He refers to John 20:21, where Jesus tells his disciples, "As my Father has sent me, even so send I you." This statement reminds believers of their solemn responsibilities as the people of God. The speaker highlights three responsibilities: taking the place of Jesus, sharing his power through the Holy Spirit, and fulfilling his purpose of proclaiming forgiveness and changing lives. He emphasizes that one day believers will give an account of how they have fulfilled these responsibilities.
Testimony - Part 2
By Jackie Pullinger4.3K09:55TestimonyPRO 11:25MAT 6:33MAT 25:35LUK 4:18ACT 20:35ROM 15:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being led by God to Hong Kong 18 years ago. He arrived without a plan but prayed for guidance, and God directed him to the city. Upon arrival, he encountered many people in need, including the elderly and children. The speaker felt compelled to help and considered starting an old people's home and caring for the children. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the kingdom of God with others and highlights the lack and suffering experienced by many in the world who have never heard of Jesus or experienced his provision and freedom.
Miracles Are a Must!
By Andrew Strom4.1K1:19:00MiraclesMAT 28:19MRK 16:16LUK 4:18ACT 2:381CO 14:26GAL 3:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of embodying the mission of Jesus in our lives. He highlights four key aspects of Jesus' mission: preaching the gospel, ministering to the poor, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The preacher emphasizes that these four elements are essential for a New Testament preacher and Christianity. He also emphasizes the significance of street preachers and the need to value and support them. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of small group meetings and the power of prophetic utterances in those gatherings.
Testimony - Part 4
By Jackie Pullinger4.1K09:55Compassionate MinistryTestimonyLove in ActionLUK 4:18Jackie Pullinger shares her experiences of reaching out to those in desperate situations, emphasizing that mere words about Jesus' love are meaningless without action. She recounts her encounters with individuals who felt unworthy of love and how she became a tangible representation of Jesus to them through her deeds. Pullinger highlights the importance of understanding and meeting the physical and emotional needs of people to truly convey the message of Christ. She reflects on the struggles of those living in poverty and the joy of sharing God's love through practical help and companionship. Ultimately, she stresses that true transformation comes from personal relationships and genuine care, not from organizations or institutions.
Good News to the Poor
By Jackie Pullinger3.8K37:42PoorPSA 68:5PRO 31:8ISA 61:1MAT 6:33LUK 4:18JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of natural disasters and poverty-related deaths. The speaker shares a personal experience of working with young individuals who have been neglected by society and emphasizes the importance of providing them with love and a sense of family. The sermon concludes with a story from the walled city, where the people in need of good news were the ones who ultimately delivered it to the city's gatekeepers and the king.
Taking the Stronghold
By Carter Conlon3.5K55:00Spiritual WarfareLUK 4:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and trusting in His power to give victory. He uses the example of Jonathan, who confidently climbed up to a stronghold of trained soldiers, despite being at a disadvantage. The preacher encourages the audience to step out of darkness and come into the light of Christ, offering counseling and support for those who want to make this choice. He also highlights the need to have a personal encounter with God and to let go of self-made excuses in order to experience freedom and transformation.
Passing Over the Smitten Waters
By Carter Conlon2.5K1:01:33Elijah2KI 2:1ISA 55:8MAT 6:33MAT 20:22LUK 4:18ROM 12:1EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of losing hope and dreams. He reminds the audience of the promise of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 13:5, that He will never leave or forsake them. The speaker also references the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 4, where he prays and brings a dead child back to life. The message encourages listeners to seek God, distance themselves from worldly distractions, and surrender their lives to be used by Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the anointing of God and the need for more laborers in His harvest.
The Unfinished Work of Christ
By Vance Havner2.5K38:17PSA 37:4PSA 119:105MAT 5:5MAT 11:2LUK 4:18JHN 9:6ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just receiving the word of God. He uses the analogy of mud being applied to one's eyes and the need to wash it off. The preacher highlights that while Jesus' work of redemption is finished, His work in and through us is ongoing. He encourages personalizing the program of spreading the gospel and emphasizes that evangelism is a vital part of Christianity. The sermon references biblical passages such as Luke and the mission given by Jesus to His disciples.
Elijah - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K08:571KI 18:212CH 7:14ISA 66:2JOL 2:17MAL 4:5LUK 4:18JHN 15:16ACT 1:82TI 4:2This sermon focuses on the theme of revival and the role of prophets like Elijah in bringing about spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the need for a return to God's ways and the importance of trembling at His Word when preaching. The speaker challenges preachers to approach their ministry with a sense of urgency and reverence, highlighting the impact of individuals like Richard Baxter in leading revival at a family level.
(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 4) the Anointing Oil
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:03:09LUK 3:21LUK 4:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the continuous supply of oil for the 3,500-branch lamp stand, symbolizing the church's responsibility to spread the gospel. He uses the story of a widow in 2 Kings chapter 4 as an example of the church being weak, helpless, and in debt to share the gospel. The widow is instructed to pour oil into vessels, which represents the anointing oil that can empower believers to fulfill their calling. The preacher also highlights four reasons why believers may not receive all that God has for them, including lack of knowledge, failure to ask, lack of faith, and asking with wrong motives.
Come, Buy, and Eat (Compilation)
By Compilations2.1K19:57CompilationISA 55:2MAL 3:3MAT 9:2MAT 25:35LUK 4:18JHN 12:48ROM 12:2GAL 2:20GAL 5:161JN 2:41JN 2:15REV 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to forsake their wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts. He urges them not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The preacher also highlights the importance of obedience to God's teachings and the free gift of grace that believers have received. He encourages believers to demonstrate their faith through acts of love and service, both physically and spiritually, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and ministering to those in prison. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of Jesus Christ to deliver and set free those who are oppressed and captive, offering forgiveness and new life.
The Spirit Filled Life Annointing Baptism & Fullness
By Kenneth Wuest2.1K40:04Spirit Filled LifeHoly Spirit's ControlLUK 4:18JHN 7:37JHN 14:16ACT 19:2ROM 6:31CO 12:13EPH 5:18PHP 2:1JAS 4:51JN 2:20Kenneth Wuest emphasizes the significance of living a spirit-filled life, clarifying that it is rooted in sound doctrine rather than emotion. He distinguishes between the anointing with the Spirit, the baptism by the Spirit, and the fullness of the Spirit, explaining that the anointing places the Holy Spirit in the believer, while baptism places the believer in Christ. Wuest highlights that the fullness of the Spirit refers to the ongoing control of the Holy Spirit over the believer's life, which requires a conscious desire and trust in the Spirit. He concludes that living a Spirit-controlled life involves cooperation with the Holy Spirit through prayer, study of the Word, and active faith. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit for a victorious Christian life.
Say Goodbye to Captivity
By Carter Conlon2.0K41:53CaptivityEXO 14:13PSA 18:26LUK 4:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and passion that comes from having a heart filled with God's word. He starts by reading from Exodus 14, where Moses tells the Israelites to stand still and witness the salvation of the Lord. The preacher then moves on to Luke 4, where Jesus declares his mission to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. He emphasizes that this is the day of freedom and victory, urging the listeners to take action now and walk in their victory. The preacher also mentions the story of the Israelites in Egypt, highlighting how they were oppressed and given poor materials to work with, but ultimately cried out to God for deliverance. He encourages the listeners to have a cry in their hearts for more in their Christian lives and to trust that God will bring deliverance.
Scenes From Resurrection - Part 2
By F.J. Huegel1.9K51:32LUK 4:18ROM 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who witnessed a humble washerwoman's clothes shining brightly in the sunlight. However, a truck loaded with coal carelessly drove through the clothes, causing the young man to question if the Lord can work quickly. The speaker then emphasizes the power of giving away the Lord Jesus Christ and how it surpasses any earthly riches. They also highlight the authority of Christians, which is greater than that of earthly kings. The sermon concludes with a reminder that when we come to the end of ourselves and fully surrender to Christ, great things can happen.
Useful for the Master - Part 10
By Jackie Pullinger1.9K09:40ISA 58:10JER 22:16EZK 16:49MAT 25:40LUK 4:18PHP 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians behaving like Jesus Christ to inspire belief in others. It discusses the need to reach out to the poor and marginalized, especially those who cannot read, and the significance of helping them understand the gospel. The sermon also touches on the consequences of neglecting the poor and the commendation for defending the poor and needy, as seen in the Bible.
Contributions of the 1st and 2nd Awakening
By Winkie Pratney1.7K56:001CH 28:92CH 7:142CH 16:9PSA 24:3PSA 71:18MAT 24:14LUK 4:18This sermon delves into the importance of surrendering our hearts to God, emphasizing the need for a perfect heart devoted to Him, exploring the concept of holiness and the obligation of man to seek God's face, repent, and live a life dedicated to God's kingdom work.
Jesus Commands Us to Go
By Andrew Strom1.5K41:28MAT 11:5MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 4:18LUK 6:20ACT 2:44JAS 5:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith by following the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus. It challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones, minister to the needy, and be disciples who actively demonstrate the love and power of God. The speaker highlights the significance of reaching out to the poor, needy, and marginalized, reflecting on the early church's ministry and the need for modern Christians to embody the same compassion and boldness in their faith.
The Temptation to Abandon the Cross
By Carter Conlon1.5K44:10LUK 4:181CO 9:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of finishing the race set before us with determination and truth, just as the Apostle Paul urged in 1 Corinthians 9:24. It highlights the temptation to abandon the cross, reminding believers to stay focused on God's purpose for their lives despite opposition and challenges. The message encourages standing firm in faith, trusting in God's protection and strength to overcome fear and continue the journey of faith.
Evaluation of the Present Day Renewal
By Paris Reidhead1.5K31:25RenewalMAT 5:6MAT 23:13LUK 4:18JHN 7:37ACT 1:8ACT 2:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of God's visitation and the hour of His turning. The preacher encourages the congregation to be stirred from lethargy and apathy and to return to the first works of the faith. He also highlights the significance of the class meeting as an invention of God that saved the nation from destruction. Overall, the sermon calls for a return to the heritage, privileges, prophecies, and promises of the Christian and missionary alliance.
Seeing Christ at the Hour of His Return
By Carter Conlon1.4K58:54ISA 58:6MAT 24:44MAT 24:51LUK 4:18JHN 9:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the return of Christ, warning against complacency and a self-centered pursuit of God. It highlights the need to be like the faithful servant, giving strength to others in the midst of the storm, and to be willing to be sent by God to minister to those in need. The message calls for a deep commitment to serving others and seeking God's presence to have spiritual vision and strength in challenging times.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord - This is found in Isa 61:1; but our Lord immediately adds to it Isa 42:7. The proclaiming of liberty to the captives, and the acceptable year (or year of acceptance) of the Lord, is a manifest allusion to the proclaiming of the year of jubilee by sound of trumpet: see Lev 25:8 (note), etc., and the notes there. This was a year of general release of debts and obligations; of bond-men and women; of lands and possessions, which had been sold from the families and tribes to which they belonged. Our Savior, by applying this text to himself, a text so manifestly relating to the institution above mentioned, plainly declares the typical design of that institution. - Lowth. He hath anointed me - I have been designed and set apart for this very purpose; my sole business among men is to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, etc. All the functions of this new prophet are exercised on the hearts of men; and the grace by which he works in the heart is a grace of healing, deliverance, and illumination; which, by an admirable virtue, causes them to pass from sickness to health, from slavery to liberty, from darkness to light, and from the lowest degrees of misery to supreme eternal happiness. See Quesnel. To those who feel their spiritual poverty, whose hearts are broken through a sense of their sins, who see themselves tied and bound with the chains of many evil habits, who sit in the darkness of guilt and misery, without a friendly hand to lead them in the way in which they should go - to these, the Gospel of the grace of Christ is a pleasing sound, because a present and full salvation is proclaimed by it; and the present is shown to be the acceptable year of the Lord; the year, the time, in which he saves to the uttermost all who come unto him in the name of his Son Jesus. Reader! what dost thou feel? Sin-wretchedness-misery of every description? Then come to Jesus - He will save Thee - he came into the world for this very purpose. Cast thy soul upon him, and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To have fixed on any passage announcing His sufferings (as Isa 53:1-12), would have been unsuitable at that early stage of His ministry. But He selects a passage announcing the sublime object of His whole mission, its divine character, and His special endowments for it; expressed in the first person, and so singularly adapted to the first opening of the mouth in His prophetic capacity, that it seems as if made expressly for this occasion. It is from the well-known section of Isaiah's prophecies whose burden is that mysterious "SERVANT OF THE LORD," despised of man, abhorred of the nation, but before whom kings on seeing Him are to arise, and princes to worship; in visage more marred than any man and His form than the sons of men, yet sprinkling many nations; laboring seemingly in vain, and spending His strength for naught and in vain, yet Jehovah's Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and be His Salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:1-26, &c.). The quotation is chiefly from the Septuagint version, used in the synagogues.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,.... By whom is meant, the third person in the Trinity; so called, to distinguish him from all other spirits; and who was given to Christ as man, without measure, whereby he was qualified for his great work: and intends the Spirit of Jehovah, with all his gifts and graces, who was, and abode on Christ, as a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of might, of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord; he was upon him, and in him, the first moment of his conception, which was by his power; and he visibly descended on him at his baptism; and the phrase denotes the permanency and continuance of him with him: because he hath anointed me; or "that he might anoint me": the Ethiopic version renders it, "by whom he hath anointed me"; for it was with the Holy Ghost he was anointed, as to be king and priest, so likewise to be a prophet: hence he has the name Messiah, which signifies anointed: and this unction he had, in order to preach the Gospel to the poor: in Isaiah it is, "to the meek"; which design the same persons, and mean such as are poor in spirit, and are sensible of their spiritual poverty; have low and humble thoughts of themselves, and of their own righteousness; and seek to Christ for durable riches and true righteousness, and frankly acknowledge that all they have and are, is owing to the grace of God: and generally speaking, these are the poor of this world, and poor in their intellectuals, who have but a small degree of natural wisdom and knowledge: to these the Gospel, or glad tidings of the love, grace, and mercy of God in Christ, of peace, pardon, righteousness, life and salvation by Christ, were preached by him; and that in so clear a manner, and with such power and authority, as never was before, or since; and for this purpose was he anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows: he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted; whose hearts are broken, and made contrite by the word of God, under the influence of the Spirit of God, and with a sense of sin; and are wounded with it, and are humbled for it; and are in great pain and distress, and even inconsolable, and ready to faint and die; for a wounded spirit who can bear? now Christ was sent to heal such persons by his own stripes, by binding up their wounds, by the application of his blood to them, which is a sovereign balm for every wound; by the discoveries of pardoning grace to their souls, and by opening and applying the comfortable promises of the Gospel, by his Spirit, to them: to preach deliverance to the captives; who are captives to sin, Satan, and the law; from which, there is only deliverance by him; who saves his people from their sins, redeems them from the law, and leads captivity captive; and which liberty and deliverance are preached and published in the Gospel, and by Christ the author of them: and recovering of sight to the blind; which in the prophet is, "and the opening of the prison to them that are bound"; and which the Septuagint render, as here in Luke, and the Chaldee paraphrase in part agrees with it, interpreting it thus, "to the prisoners", "be ye revealed to the light" now because persons in prison are in darkness, and see no light, therefore they are represented as blind; and both are the case of sinners, they are in the prison of sin and of the law, and are blind, ignorant, and insensible of their state; until Christ both opens the prison, and sets them free, and opens their eyes, and gives them spiritual sight; when he says to the prisoners go forth, to them that are in darkness show yourselves, Isa 49:9 To set at liberty them that are bruised: these words are not in Isa 61:1 but in the Septuagint version of Isa 58:6 from whence they seem to be taken, or else from Isa 42:7 it being allowable for a reader in the prophets, to skip from place to place, which our Lord here did, in order to explain this passage more fully.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:18-19 The time of the Lord’s favor refers to the Year of Jubilee (Lev 25:8-55), when debts were erased, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. In Isa 61, the Year of Jubilee is a metaphor for God’s salvation.