Called to Freedom
Scripture: Luke 4:16-22a (NRSVue)
Jesus was a synagogue going man. In our passage, he goes up to read and chooses his Scripture from the scroll of Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captive and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Is. 61)
Jesus then sits and says, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus just gave his (and our) mission, his (and our) purpose, and how he will accomplish it all in a nutshell. Wherever Jesus is present, wherever the Spirit of God is, there is hope, possibility, and the freedom to choose joy–no matter our circumstances. We are free–to be who we are (a new creation) and to do what we have been created to do, namely to “praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord” as Ignatius of Loyola put it centuries ago. Truly, Jesus’ gospel is good news for all, and it’s just what we need and want.
August 28, 2022 – Worship Service Bulletin
Sermon Art: 3rd- to 4th-century Roman mosaic depicting Christ, colored marble, Smithsonian
All Immanuel sermons are available in our Library of Sermons
Other Sermons In This Series
Forgiveness – The Mercy of God
August 14, 2022
Hardiness: The Spiritual Benefits of Adversity
September 25, 2022
Humility: Strength to Serve
September 17, 2022