Ruler Rebuked
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
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.
Reflect
Again, Jesus’ actions were not what were expected for a respected teacher. This time they took place in the synagogue, the center of Jewish life and teaching, and on their holy day, the Sabbath. Jesus saw a disabled woman; he called her forward and freed her from her infirmity—even before she could ask. The synagogue ruler, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, did not address his remarks to Jesus, but rebuked the people. Jesus responded swiftly with pointed words. The people rejoiced, adding to the humiliation of Jesus’ opponents.
Closing prayer
Father, help us to always see through your eyes of compassion and be willing to challenge oppressive practices that would deny your healing power. Amen.