The Gospel of Luke comprises many statements that should impact the church in understanding God’s mission emanating from before creation. One of these is Jesus’ mission statement found in Luke 4:18-19. In this passage Jesus’ mission is comprehensively, yet succinctly, defined. This text sparked many questions in my mind as to why South Africa and many other countries seem to be in a depressive spiritual and social malaise. Surely there is God’s remedy in Christ? But seemingly this is not clearly understood by many church-going people today. These thoughts and concerns led to this study to seek a fresh understanding of the meaning and an appropriate response to Luke 4:18-19, especially with reference to two church congregations.

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