The Good News is Preached to the Poor

Welcome to the final day of this devotional! Over the past week, you’ve explored stories of Jesus healing, restoring, and challenging societal norms.

Today, we examine the final part of Jesus’s response to John the Baptist: “Good news is proclaimed to the poor.” Through three passages—one from Isaiah’s prophecy, one where Jesus reads it aloud in a synagogue, and the opening of His famous Sermon on the Mount—you’ll see how Jesus not only embodied this proclamation but turned societal values upside down.

Reminder: Take time to read today’s passage on your own or with a friend. Then, when you catch up this week—whether in person or on a call—share what stood out, reflect on your insights, and discuss how it connects to your life. Keep the conversation going!

Let’s start by imagining being in the synagogue as Jesus declares that Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah is fulfilled in Him. Then, picture yourself on the mountainside, surrounded by people hearing Jesus announce who is truly “blessed” in God’s Kingdom. These weren’t the powerful or wealthy insiders society admired. Instead, Jesus pointed to the poor, the downtrodden, and the outsiders as the ones receiving God’s favour.

To first-century Jews, “the poor” wasn’t limited to economic poverty—it included anyone marginalized, unclean, or deemed unworthy, like those with leprosy, tax collectors, or people with disabilities. These groups were seen as cursed, not blessed. Yet, Jesus proclaimed that God’s Kingdom was coming to them first.

Jesus redefined what it meant to be blessed. While society esteemed wealth, influence, and personal piety, Jesus said true blessing came to those who knew their need for God. The “poor in spirit,” those downcast or aware of their inability to fix themselves, were given priority in God’s Kingdom. Through His words and actions, Jesus revealed that reliance on God—not wealth, status, or power—leads to the abundant life He offers.

This message wasn’t just for His listeners then; it challenges us today. Who do we consider blessed? Who do we overlook or deem unimportant? Jesus’s radical proclamation invites us to see the world differently and align our values with His Kingdom.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus’s proclamations mattered to the people listening in His day?
2. How do His words challenge societal values today? Who in your city needs to hear this good news?
3. How has your view of Jesus changed through this devotional?

If you’re left with questions, that’s okay! Your journey of discovering Jesus doesn’t end here. Explore more, reflect deeply, and know we’re here to support you as you seek to understand Him more fully.