What is the meaning of Luke 4:19? To proclaim Jesus reads Isaiah’s ancient promise and declares, “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19). By using the verb “proclaim,” He is: • Announcing something completed and unchangeable, much like an official herald declares a royal decree. Compare Luke 4:21, where He says, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” and Romans 10:14–15, which pictures the preacher as a herald of good news. • Revealing His own identity as the foretold Anointed One (Luke 4:18), echoing Isaiah 61:1. This is not mere information; it is gospel proclamation—good news that demands a response (Mark 1:14–15). • Extending an open, public invitation. Revelation 22:17 offers a similar call: “Let the one who is thirsty come.” The proclamation is wide, gracious, and indiscriminate. The year “The year” alludes to a specific, God-appointed season rather than a single calendar year. Think of: • Leviticus 25:10–12, where the Year of Jubilee brought liberty, restoration of property, and rest for the land every fiftieth year. • 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.” Paul applies Isaiah’s language to the present age of grace, reinforcing that “the year” stretches across the entire gospel era. • Hebrews 3:7–8, 15, urging readers not to harden their hearts “Today.” The recurring “today” shows that this favorable season remains open as long as the gospel is preached. Of the Lord’s favor The phrase highlights God’s gracious initiative: • Favor means unearned kindness (Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation flows from God’s love, not human merit. • It includes freedom for captives and sight for the blind (Luke 4:18). Jesus ties favor to tangible acts of deliverance, healing, and forgiveness (Luke 5:20–26; 7:22). • Isaiah 61:2 contrasts “the year of the LORD’s favor” with “the day of vengeance.” In Nazareth, Jesus stops reading before the vengeance clause, signaling that favor is the present emphasis. Judgment will come (John 5:22–27; Acts 17:31), but for now grace is extended. • Psalm 30:5 captures the heart of this season: “His favor lasts a lifetime.” Believers enjoy ongoing access to the Father’s smile through Christ (Romans 5:1–2). summary Luke 4:19 announces that Jesus, as God’s Anointed, officially opens a continuing season of grace like a grand Jubilee. He publicly proclaims it, sets the timeframe (“today”), and assures that it rests entirely on God’s favor. This gracious era invites all people to receive forgiveness, freedom, and spiritual sight before the coming day of judgment. |
    |