In Luke 4:18-21 Jesus reads publicly from the book of Isaiah by way of announcing his mission: he comes with good news for hurting hearts. Good news for the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. His arrival begins the long awaited year of the Lord’s favour. This announcement is a pivotal moment in Luke’s Gospel account. At this moment Jesus turns his face to the oppressed and begins his public messianic ministry. He releases those held captive to demons, heals the unhealable, eats with outcasts and forgives sin. He reforms God’s covenant people around himself, appointing twelve disciples to lead according to the Law he proclaims (chapter 6). However, all the while he is being watched and opposition against him grows. This section of Luke culminates with Jesus' first warning of his coming execution and resurrection, at which point the next chapter of Luke’s Gospel begins, the journey to Jerusalem.

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