Definition: The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 4:18. It's a really important and powerful passage about Jesus’s mission. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that Jesus is now empowered to share his message of hope and healing. Let’s unpack each part: “The Spirit of the Lord” : This refers to a divine presence – God's power and guidance - working through Jesus. It’s like a helper or a force that helps him do what he’s called to do. “[is]” : This is a little tricky, but it means "is" or "exists." It emphasizes that this isn’t just a feeling; it's a real and active state of being. “Upon me” : This shows Jesus has been given this power – he has been chosen to do this. It’s like receiving a special gift. “Because he hath anointed me” : “Anointed” means to choose someone and give them a special role or title. In this case, Jesus is being chosen to be a messenger of God's message. It’s important to remember that ‘anointing’ wasn’t just about giving a crown; it was about recognizing someone as worthy and significant. “To preach the gospel” : The “gospel” is really a big idea – it means "good news" or "the message of salvation." Jesus wants to share this good news with everyone, especially those who are hurting and in need. “To heal the brokenhearted” : This means to comfort and help people who are struggling with pain, sadness, or grief. It’s about offering solace and healing. “To preach deliverance to the captives” : This refers to rescuing people from oppression, slavery, or difficult situations – giving them freedom and a chance at a better life. “Recovering of sight to the blind” : This means to restore someone’s vision or ability to see, often due to physical or emotional hardship. It's about giving people back their hope and perspective. “Setting at liberty them that are bruised” : This is a very powerful image – it suggests freeing people from being held down by their problems, illnesses, or limitations. In short, Jesus is now officially given the power to spread God’s message of love, forgiveness, and hope to those who are hurting. Why is this important? This verse shows that Jesus isn't just a good teacher; he's active in bringing healing and making a difference in the world. It sets the stage for his ministry – the beginning of a life dedicated to serving others and spreading God’s love. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what this might mean for us today?