“He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18, NKJV)
Standing in the synagogue of Nazareth, Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. On this Sabbath, all kinds of people have come to the synagogue to hear the words of God.
Then there is His voice full of compassion: “He sent Me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
The poor did not count in those days. The Pharisees imposed burdens on them that were heavy to bear, but otherwise wanted nothing to do with them. How different is this Rabbi, He is concerned with their welfare.
In the Bible, poor people hold a special place. Consider, for example, the story about the widow of Zarfath. (1 Kings 17) There are other examples where Jesus shows that He has an eye and heart for poor people.
But this passage goes even deeper. There were people with broken hearts. Jesus was sent to deliver them from their sin and misery.
Even in our time, there are many people who suffer from brokenness. In their marriage, in their family or with loved ones.
We may bring them to Jesus, He wants to heal their hearts with His love.