Even Jesus had a job description!

I'm so glad that God's Word has a record of what Jesus was supposed to do.  Many people had expectations of the Messiah - that He would rescue the nation of Israel, protect Jerusalem and preserve God's people in a political way.  They expected a king like David of old. Their vision was for Israel and the kingdom was limited to geography. But Jesus had a much bigger calling and purpose as Messiah.  

Continuing in Isaiah 61, the next phrase reads: 

*"He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners..." Now we can deduce from this statement that a political or military force would be required to fulfill this claim.  Someone with the authority to set prisoners free.  Like Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman appointee to govern Judea in Jesus' day.  He had the authority to release Jesus from the sentence of crucifixion, even though the crowd and religious leaders called for the criminal, Barabbas, to be released.  Or a ruler like Herod who had the right to arrest and imprison John the Baptist. Herod then eventually had John beheaded because he was offended at John's direct preaching against his sin!  

But what did this aspect of Jesus' ministry entail?  Who were the prisoners He was sent to release?

Reading through the Gospel accounts, Jesus encountered all kinds of prisoners: beggars, prostitutes, tax collectors, physically disabled, demonically oppressed, religiously stuck.  Jesus did not select certain ones who qualified to be delivered from their bondage.  He was sent to set the captives free, whoever they were.  Many were of Hebrew blood and descent; some were Gentiles.  Some were rich and well-off; others were dirt poor!  He was no respecter of persons, as the King James Bible would say.

Jesus' ministry was very deliberate - He would pray and seek God's guidance as to where to go.  Then He would meet "random" people as He and His disciples traveled!  A Samaritan woman at a well at noon needed freedom from her series of relationships and lack of security in life.  A leper dared to ask Jesus to be made clean, to be freed from his social and economic and spiritual rejection.  A blind man made a public spectacle of himself as he cried out to be healed...Zaccheus, a tax collector and a very short man, truly an underdog, responded to Jesus' declaration, "I'm going to your house today."  Zaccheus was released from a questionable career and social isolation.  

Each one met Jesus, by faith received His ministry of freedom and followed this new Way.  What did Jesus ask of them?  Repentance, trust, changed life and leave the old behind.  The Samaritan woman faced her sin and became the first evangelist in Samaria. The leper was cleansed and restored; he, too spread the news of Jesus. The blind man could see; he gave up a life of begging and was be restored to dignity.  And Zaccheus, he not only experienced acceptance and honour, but he paid back those he had cheated and made restitution in response to his changed life and status.

Let's not forget those who were demonically oppressed/possessed.  Jesus demanded that the spirit or spirits be cast out of the victims and He restored them to mental, emotional and spiritual health.  Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully, and we do not hear of any return to the torment she had once endured.  The demoniac who ran around naked in the tombs was fully delivered and sitting, clothed in his right mind.  There is no prison, no bondage, no affliction that Jesus has not conquered, and even more so after His death and resurrection.  The very Saviour who died for our sins, was raised for our justification.  He is victorious over death and hell.  Satan's authority is now limited in scope and in time.  The end is near!

Although we all may long for political, economical and social freedoms to be secured, Jesus came for a far greater purpose. If you are suffering from a bondage, a burden, a prison that you cannot free yourself from - call on Jesus!  And if you want someone to talk to, I can be there to help and point the way to the One who can truly help.  My husband, too, can listen, give counsel, pray and offer hope in the Lord Jesus.

Peace to you.