“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 freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19)
Leviticus 25 describes the Year of Jubilee: a year of liberation and freedom. After seven Sabbaths of years (49 years), the fiftieth year was to be separated as the Year of Jubilee. Debts were cancelled, servants were released from their masters, the poor were sustained, and all foreigners were to be treated well. The Year of Jubilee was the year of the Lord's favor.
After exile, the conditions in Israel were difficult. There was poverty and an uncertain future lay ahead. Into this situation, Isaiah spoke of the one “anointed by God” to proclaim good news to those who were suffering. It was good news that was not just theoretical, but a time when God would act in his favor upon the people: freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, release for the oppressed, and help for the poor.
As Jesus begins his ministry, Luke 4 records Jesus' reading of Isaiah 61:1-2 wherein Jesus proclaims that the scripture is fulfilled in Him. Jesus is the one who brings good news of the Year of the Lord's Favor to everyone-not just Israel, but all nations. Jesus shows good news by his actions: healing the sick and providing for the poor.
To the world, Jesus brings the good news of the cancellation of the debt of sin-those who are poor in spirit. Those who come to God through Jesus are acquitted of their sin and become righteous by virtue of faith. The true meaning of the Year of Jubilee is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus paid the debt for our sin so that we could go free! Jesus indeed paid it all! Let us rejoice in our salvation.