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 Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19, NIV) From the first words spoken at the beginning of his earthly ministry, Jesus gave those listening to him direct and unmistakable encouragement. Jesus boldly announced that he had been sent to give good news, freedom, recovery of sight, the end of oppression and divine favor to those who needed encouragement the most. The poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed would be the ...