“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

This message by Jesus addresses just about every human condition we face. The “poor,” “prisoners,” “blind” and “oppressed” can be understood both physically and spiritually. The “poor” isn’t just an assessment of someone’s net worth; it describes someone who is powerless against the forces around him. Even people with plenty of money can be powerless when faced with life-threatening disease. “Oppressed” is the translation of a Greek word that means “to shatter.” It is a word for a person who is emotionally crushed by the experiences of life.

These words not only refer to the life experiences everyone faces but they offer hope. Each of these human conditions is met by the grace of God in the person of Jesus. There is good news for the powerless, freedom for those in bondage to anything, sight for the confused, and freedom for those crushed by life.

While some regard the gospel as bad news for sinners, it is good news for all who will believe it. Jesus announced with His first sermon that God has invaded our misery and pain with His love. In Jesus Christ we can find the answer to every longing we have for wholeness and safety. “Jesus is the Answer” is more than a slogan on a bumper sticker. It is the truth that offers hope to all of us.