In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quotes from the book of Isaiah: "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 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."
In this context, the term "poor" refers to marginalized and disadvantaged in society, including the economically impoverished, the oppressed, and the outcasts.
In Jesus' time, people experiencing poverty were often looked down upon and excluded from society. However, Jesus proclaimed that the good news of the Kingdom of God was for them and that they would be given special attention.
It's important to note that Jesus wasn't just referring to economic poverty and spiritual poverty. He taught that true riches are not found in material wealth but in a relationship with God. People with low incomes, in this sense, are those who need spiritual renewal and restoration.
In essence, the "poor" in Luke 4:18-19 refers to anyone who needs God's grace and mercy, regardless of their social or economic status. Through his teachings and actions, Jesus demonstrated a deep compassion for the poor and a commitment to bringing hope and healing to those marginalized and disadvantaged in society.
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