The Gospel is good news for everyone

In Luke 4:16-19 we read this about Jesus: “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written, “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.” Jesus came with a clear mandate to proclaim the good news with all its power to bring hope, healing and deliverance. All the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – testify to this message of salvation.

His purpose was to bring salvation to all mankind. Many received His message and were healed, delivered of torments and even evil spirits. Those who believed in Him to be saviour and Lord, He gave eternal life.

These benefits of the kingdom of God were freely given to those who received it by faith as it is so well put in the most familiar Gospel text John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

The early followers of Jesus who received His message were told “freely, you have received freely give” (Matt 10:8). Jesus would also say to them “as the Father has sent me so I am sending you”. (John 20:21) His followers since that time have been given the same mandate to proclaim the gospel with all its power and to bring the benefits of the kingdom of God.

We, the followers of Jesus, have all been given privilege to share the good news with all its power. In the power of the holy spirit we are called to proclaim this gospel. “But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians would say this: “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the spirit’s power, 5so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Let us conclude with a Scripture that challenges all believers and seekers alike. “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.” (Heb. 2”1-4)

This message of salvation is offered freely, and God says “now is the day of God’s favor now is the day of salvation” (2Cor. 6:2).

According to God’s word, the opportunity will not always be there.

For the seeker, I pray that you would receive Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour.

For the followers of Jesus, “Let’s not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation.”

Be bold and confident in sharing the good news