People first
Opening Prayer
God, help me not seek nice, comfortable and ordered when messy is part of what it takes to meet deep human needs.
Read LUKE 13:10–17
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[10] On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, [11] and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. [12] When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” [13] Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. [14] Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” [15] The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? [16] Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” [17] When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What was the priority of the religious leaders?This incident seems strange to us. We don’t have rules about what we can or can’t do on certain days, but that’s how it was for Jews in Jesus’ day. Jesus puts the needs of an individual above the regulations, showing his power by bringing healing from the pain and frustration of 18 years. At the same time he demonstrates the inconsistent thinking of his accusers. Look back at the reading to see a variety of responses: praise, humiliation and delight. When God is at work not everyone sees it in the same way; it’s as true today as it was then. We naturally assume that Jesus has done the right thing, and that we would have done the same, but is it that simple? While we don’t have rules like these, might there be other things which stop us from meeting human need? Too busy with our church order? Too concerned to keep up appearances? Afraid of offending others? This woman matters to Jesus; matters enough for him to break the rules, ignore normal practice and risk official disapproval. There’s the challenge. Will we follow God when it is outside the “program”? Will we follow God whatever it looks like?
Apply
Ask God to help you see human need with his eyes and respond sensitively in his power.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You are the same God, walking among us and truly seeing us. Thank You.
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