Jesus’ first words in ministry continue to echo across centuries—a call to heal, to free, and to restore.

That message came alive Tuesday during a Bible study session at the 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), where the Rev. Dr. Bridget Ben-Naimah of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana urged believers to live out the mission Christ declared in Luke 4:14-21.

“This passage contains a manifesto for His work and ministry. Some refer to it as a mission statement,” Ben-Naimah said. “Jesus declared, in accordance with the prophecies, that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him—to proclaim the good news of salvation, release captives from bondage, restore sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free.”

Ben-Naimah reminded the gathered delegates that if Christians truly believe Jesus is the savior of the world, they must also embrace His mission in their own time.

“Who are the captives, the blind, and the oppressed of our time who need to be released, to see, and to be liberated?” she asked. “People may be treated with cruelty and indignity, or have their freedom restricted. Others are locked out of normal life—economically, culturally, intellectually, socially, and mentally.”

In some cases, she noted, those seeking solace in faith have been exploited by church leaders.

“In West Africa, some people fall prey to false prophets who control their lives in the name of prophecy,” Ben-Naimah said. “There are young people in Africa who are captives of drug abuse or gambling—seeking to escape their challenges but instead becoming trapped in cycles that destroy their lives. Can we identify the captives?”

She went on to describe the “blind” as those who have lost hope, unable to see beyond despair.

“These could include people in war-torn regions who see nothing but devastation,” she said. “Livelihoods, homes, schools, and families destroyed—their dreams and futures buried in rubble.”

Ben-Naimah called on churches to lift people out of captivity, blindness, and oppression by engaging in tangible acts of compassion and advocacy.

“We are called to engage in awareness creation and information sharing that will lead to possible solutions,” she said. “We are called to be the impactful voice of our day—to build capacity for action, to stand in solidarity with those affected, and to create pathways for help.”

She concluded her message with words of comfort and hope.

“If you are the captive, the blind, or the oppressed of today, be encouraged knowing that you matter to Jesus Christ. You matter to the communion of His followers,” she said. “Do not suffer alone. Reach out to sisters and brothers in the communion for support. Persevere to find help, and you will find it. Christ is our ever-present help in times of trouble.”