(NIV) Luke 4:18 “…He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…”

   Jesus the Messiah was prophesied to come and live among us.  He was sent by God the Father.  He came openly, not secretly.  He was sent by the Sovereign LORD, with His Spirit.  (See Isaiah 48:16)

When Jesus was sent by God to free captives, to free the prisoners of sin…there was a lot He would suffer in order to do just that!

When Jesus was sent to release us, we were (and are) captives, prisoners to sin.   Releasing us from sin required He take our punishment, that He take our sins on Himself (the Sinless One) as if those sins were His.

It was Jesus’ blood which released us from our sins – Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, Ruler of the kings of the earth.  He loved (and loves) you and me, He has come to release us from our sins by His blood!  (See Revelation 1:5)

The Law of God could not, and cannot, free anyone from sin because of our sinful nature with which we are all born.  No one can compare to the glory of God!  (See Romans 3:23)

God sent His own Son as fully Man (the Son of Man) and fully God (Son of God).  When God did this, He condemned sin in sinful man…that is you and me.  Jesus came and offered Himself for your sin and mine!  Incredible, but true!  (See Romans 8:3)

How can we respond to such a great deliverance and release?
(NASB) Isaiah 12:1-6 “THEN YOU will say on that day,
‘I will give thanks to You, O LORD;
For although You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away,
And You comfort me.
2 ‘Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For the LORD GOD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.’
3 Therefore you will joyously draw water
From the springs of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say,
‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name.
Make known His deeds among the peoples;
Make them remember that His name is exalted.’
5 Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things;
Let this be known throughout the earth.
6 Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”