SEEN BY JESUS
Opening Prayer
Father, thank you for the stories in your Word, for the things you would have me learn from them. Open my heart to your teaching today.
Read LUKE 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
In what ways is it important to honor God on the Sabbath?This is a wonderful story to lead on from some of the passages last week that spoke fiercely of the reality of our divided world. An essential part of the good news of Jesus is that he brings healing and liberation! (And this is something we should celebrate, not criticize or be nit-picky about—see vs 14-16.)
Imagine yourself as the woman in this passage: disabled for many years; in pain; unable to stand up straight to see and respond to the world around her—and, therefore, impoverished and a bit of an outcast—more tied up than some donkeys (vs 15,16). Jesus sees her, touches her, and heals her (v 13).
It is a remarkable thing that Jesus, a healthy man—in what was likely to be a crowded synagogue—saw this woman. And he didn’t just see her; he also healed her. The only thing appropriate for us is to rejoice, to thank and praise God—just as the woman and the people watching did (vs 13,17)—and to keep turning to him for help and healing.
Apply
Sing or listen to the hymn, ‘And Can It Be’:* ‘Long my imprisoned spirit lay, / … / Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray – / … / My chains fell off, my heart was free, / I rose, went forth, and followed thee.’
Closing prayer
Jesus, you not only saw and healed a woman on the Sabbath, you touched her. Thank you for your healing touch that freed me and gave me hope and a future with you forever.
*‘And Can It Be,’ Charles Wesley, 1738.
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