The Work of Christmas … recovery of sight for the blind

“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…recovery of sight for the blind.” 

Luke 4:18

It is true ladies, that without Jesus every single one of us is poor, a pauper, destitute, without hope. The good news is good news for all of us. Why would one not jump for joy to hear it, especially considering all Israel were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38)?

Jesus had a Spirit-anointed focus as He turned to read from Isaiah 61:1-2 that Sabbath in the synagogue in Nazareth. His family would have been there, his friends and neighbors too, when He distinctly told them He was the one Isaiah prophesied about: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

Initially they were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips (Luke 4:22). But Jesus knew what they were thinking: “Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum” (4:23). In other words, prove to us you are the Messiah. Sensationalism topped the good news that would save them.

How blind they were. The Son of God had grown up in their midst. He had played in their streets, gone to their schools, worked in the carpentry shop with Joseph. When they heard His words, they chased Him out of town, intent on throwing Him over the cliff (4:29). Sad to say, ’tis true: “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” (4:24).

But I too was once blind, once perplexed by Jesus’ divinity/humanity. I too challenged Him to prove Himself, and even tried to throw Him over the cliff of my disappointment at my mother’s premature demise. What did God care?!

Jesus healed many physically blind folks as He travelled through the region. This, to me, is the most telling: “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see.” “Receive your sight; your faith has made you whole” (Luke 18:41-42). All it takes is faith to dissolve the scales of spiritual blindness from one’s heart.

Praise God, now I see. The good news became abundantly clear when I took the time to examine the scriptures. You too?

Nancy P