I saw something new in this well-known passage in Isaiah, quoted in part by Jesus in Luke 4.18, 19:

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (Isaiah 61.1 – 4, ESV)

Jesus took this as his personal commission, and if we are followers of Jesus, it would be ours, too: (“As the Father has sent me, even so send I you.” – John 20.21) What are we to do?

• Bring good news to the poor
• Bind up the brokenhearted
• Proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound
• Proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
• Comfort all who mourn

Why are we to do these things? Here’s where I saw something new. We are not the heroes serving these needy people. We are participating with God so that “they“…

• May be called oaks of righteousness
• Shall build up the ancient ruins
• Shall raise up the former devastations
• Shall repair the runined cities

In other words, there is not a permanent “helper” class and a permanent “oppressed” class that needs help. The oppressed become the next wave of difference-makers. I think that’s exciting.

Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it. (Isaiah 60.21, 22, ESV)

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.1, 2, NIV)