Luke 13:14

New International Version

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.”

For Your Encouragement; What the woman might have said.

I went into the synagogue expecting to get the attention of the Master. I was aware of my limitations and true to my expectations; people pushed me to a corner and ignored me. Why wouldn’t they? Eighteen years of torment from an evil spirit had left me deformed and bent over. So, I watched and listened to Jesus teach like none other. He spoke with clarity and authority. A hush fell through the auditorium. I closed my eyes, taking in every word from His mouth — lost in His Presence. Suddenly, I felt a rude awakening. The man sitting by me tapped my shoulder and said the Master was calling me. Was I dreaming?

His eyes caught my startled countenance, and Jesus gently nodded at me and bid me come to Him. The people’s mood changed. In a flash, I had become a star. The Master had favored me with an invitation. What grace!

I stood before Him with all eyes on us. What was He going to do? It was a Sabbath, and I needed a rest from my cruel infirmity, but the authorities. The words that come from His lips soothed my soul.

Woman, you are set free from your infirmity (Luke 13:12).

If His voice was soothing, His touch melted my wearied heart. A power surge swept through my spine, and my body flexed like a young gymnast.

I am healed! Jesus, the Son of David, has set me, a daughter of Abraham, free from my eighteen-year bondage to Satan. Hallelujah!

But why is this man fuming? Why the indignation and his harsh expression to the people?

There are six days for work. So, come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath (14).

Really? Is he serious? Has he ever been in my place or had a loved one suffer like I did for that long? What hypocrisy!

Why didn’t he rather rebuke me but the people? Why not the Master, the one who healed me? What is he afraid of? Before I could say anything, Jesus took control of the simmering situation. He exposed the hypocrisy of the synagogue ruler and the other spiritual leaders. They would do everything on a sabbath to save their property—even their animals. How dare they sneer against the healing of a precious daughter of the Most High (15-17)? Did He not come into the world to free us from bondage to sin and Satan’s oppression (Luke 4:18-19)? 

The applause was thunderous, and the humiliation of the opponents of Jesus was classic. Filled with joy, the people praised the Lord for all the works of Jesus.

May my testimony encourage you, who is hiding from some oppressive condition. Your world has fallen apart, and your prayers have gone unanswered. Don’t lose hope. Jesus sees you from the crowd. His compassion never fails. It is timely and liberating when it embraces you. Great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

In the meantime, trust in His sovereignty and remember that He is always good. When His time comes for you, you will see His glory — whatever form it takes — and you will praise Him who deserves it. 

Pray with Me

Father, I thank you that when the world forsakes me, you never abandon me to my lonesome estate. Thank you for Jesus, His sharp eye for people in need, and His warm embrace with healing and deliverance. I pray you touch many who need your healing and bring joy to their wearied souls in Jesus’s matchless name. Amen!