A Simple Manifesto

Read: Luke 4:14-21

He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free. Luke 4:18

IN WORD

The messianic prophecies could have focused on routing the kingdom of darkness or on building a utopian society. They could have emphasized the big picture to the exclusion of individual lives. After all, Jesus would touch on all of these aspects, speaking strong words about the gates of hell and offering parables about the celebration of the final Kingdom age. But the prophecy quoted by Jesus on this day was focused on the weak and hurting, and it was simply an announcement of the Good News. Like His advent as a baby in a manger, He launched His ministry discreetly—like reading a humble prophecy at an up-country synagogue, quietly turning water into wine at a wedding, and being baptized alongside desperate sinners in a river. Though the Kingdom would grow to be flourishing and widespread, it would truly begin with small, mustard-seed characteristics.

That’s why the Good News really is good news. It isn’t an announcement for the elite, the most devoted and spiritually impressive among us. It isn’t a grand plan that may or may not include commoners like us. In God’s Kingdom, there are no commoners. All of us, even the desperate, poor, and blind, are elite. We don’t have to qualify for His blessings, fill out an application to see if we’re accepted, or take a number to wait. We just come. That’s really, really good news.

IN DEED

Never forget that. Many Christians turn the gospel (Good News) into a burdensome lifestyle, trying to achieve what we can only receive. We grab for what is already given, work for what is already accomplished, and ask for what is already offered. Like a poor, captive, blind, oppressed soul, receive the Kingdom from the King—in every area of your life. Declare the Kingdom as good news to those around you, and live in a way that shows that it truly is good. Embrace the blessings offered by the King and share them with everyone. Be fully alive, fully free, and fully at home in what the King has already done.

ADDITIONAL READING: Mark 1:14-15

There are two things to do about the gospel—believe it and behave it.

SUSANNA WESLEY