Anoint me God

Anointed for Purpose: The Call to Ministry

Bible Passage: Luke 4:18–19 ESV & KJV

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me 

to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives 

and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 

19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord

Summary: In this powerful passage, Jesus declares His mission through the Spirit's anointing, emphasizing His role in proclaiming the good news, freedom, and healing.

Lesson: This Passage teaches us that every believer is anointed by the Holy Spirit for service just as Jesus was, enabling them to fulfill God's mission in their lives and churches.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage connects Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah, showing Him as the ultimate Anointed One who brings salvation and transformation, establishing a link to the Old Testament prophecies regarding the upcoming and coming of the Savior.

Big Idea: Every believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit, called to participate in Christ's ministry of redemption and restoration in the world.

1. Anointed to Advocate

Luke 4:18

You could explore how the Holy Spirit anoints Jesus to preach good news to the poor. Perhaps emphasize that just as Jesus is anointed, believers today are empowered by the same Spirit to share the gospel. Encourage the congregation to identify with Christ’s mission, understanding that they too have a message of hope for those who feel marginalized or spiritually impoverished.

2. Anointed to Liberate

Luke 4:18

Perhaps discuss freedom as it pertains to spiritual and physical captivity. Teach that believers are entrusted with the call to proclaim liberation, reflecting Jesus' ministry of bringing freedom. Challenge the audience to consider the chains of addiction, sin, or fear they can help break through acts of love, kindness, and truth in their community.

3. Anointed to Heal

Luke 4:18

You might consider focusing on the healing aspect of Jesus' ministry. Jesus was anointed to heal the broken-hearted; similarly, believers are equipped to bring emotional and spiritual healing to those around them. Suggest that the church becomes a sanctuary of grace and a beacon of compassion, reaching out to those who are hurting.

4. Anointed to Proclaim

Luke 4:19

Finally, emphasize the proclamation of the Lord’s favor. Encourage believers that they are living in the year of the Lord’s favor, a time of grace and open doors to bring change. Invite your congregation to see themselves as heralds of God's favor, offering acceptance, love, and transformation in Christ to a world in need.

A few years ago, I was asked to preach in Mexico on a church mission Trip. As someone who has never been out of the country more than that preach out of the country, I was filled with doubts. Yet, once I stepped in front of those Wonderful, happy, and hope filled people and started sharing a funny story and what God has placed on my heart, I realized God had anointed me for that moment! Just like David was anointed to be king while still a shepherd boy, God can empower us beyond our limitations.

Application: This Passage should encourage us to recognize our own calling and empower us for ministry, and can help us see how we can make a Difference in our communities through our unique gift.

Pray - Thank you.