Luke 4:18–19 NLT — 18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. 

Matthew 11:5 NLT — The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.

1. Beneficiary — God focuses on the lowly.

1. Psalm 113:5–7 NLT — 5 Who can be compared with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high? 6 He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. 7 He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
2. Isaiah 57:15 NLT — The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.”
3. Luke 1:47–48 NLT — 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
4. The ministry of Jesus was always to the lowly. 
   1. Luke 4:18–19 NLT — 18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.
   2. Matthew 11:5 NLT — The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
   3. Matthew 5:3–5 NLT — 3 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
5. Areas you can be “low” in:
   1. Materially — poor
   2. Physically — sick
   3. Relationally — alone
   4. Emotionally — depressed
   5. Spiritually — depraved

2. Benefactors — God partners with the blessed.

1. He gives an opportunity for blessed people to partner with Him.
2. The Jewish concept of hospitality:
   1. Leave grain behind in the field.
   2. Don’t charge interest. 
3. Luke 8:1–3 NLT — 1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.  
4. We have an opportunity to partner with Jesus in His ministry.
5. Areas in which you can partner with Jesus:
   1. Materially — giving to those less fortunate
   2. Physically — using your energy to serve the Lord
   3. Relationally — being a father, friend; home
   4. Emotionally — being a coach, a cheerleader
   5. Spiritually — sharing the gospel

3. Benefits — God rewards His partners.

1. Proverbs 28:27 NLT — Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
2. Matthew 10:42 NLT — And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.
3. Luke 6:38 NLT — Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

The potential of your generosity

• Could be a gift directly given to Christ
• Could be a gift that saves a soul
• Could be a gift that unlocks a cold heart
• Could be a gift that unlocks your heart