Read Luke 13:10-17. (biblegateway.com wouldn't open today so you'll need to find your bible!)
v. 10 "teaching" Jesus combines the traditional with the non-traditional. At first glance he looks like a normal Rabbi - teaching but he is not bound by tradition. He is yielded to his father and can break from the norm to heal - even if it ruffles a few feathers!
v. 11 "by a spirit" many physical ailments are spiritually related as this one was. I Thess 5:23 - we are mind, spirit and body. We know that when afflicted in our mind we can worry ourself into physical problems like ulcers. In addition when afflicted in our spirit we can have physical problems.
v. 11b "bent over" Obviously she is in pain and probably sticks out in a crowd. Who wouldn't have compassion on this woman whose been a victim 18 years!
v. 12 "set free" - That's why he came - to "release the oppressed." Interesting to me sometimes Jesus says, "your sins are forgiven." Sometimes he says, "would you like to be healed." Other times, "I see your faith." Why so many different formulas for healing prayer. Perhaps w/his spiritual eyes and lifestyle of fasting and prayer the Lord can see the exact need and speak directly to it. Or maybe the power is flowing so powerfully - he can say whatever he wants?
v. 13 "hand on her" Did he have to touch her to heal her? He healed the centurion's servant w/out even seeing him. Jesus touched because he cared.
v. 14 "come back" This would make sense and not seem like a big deal - to come back a day later. She's been bound for 18 years - one more day won't kill her! But God is rarely doing one thing at a time. He is the ultimate multi-tasker! He loves the woman but he loves the religious leader also. He wants to see the come to the truth. Many times those hard-hearted need bold demonstrations that are a bit "in-your-face." The Lord may call us to such demonstrations and arguments but we should never initiate them on our own.
v. 15 "You hypocrites." Jesus knows his opponents. He knows their ways and hypocrisy. He's harsh here but later while looking over Jerusalem will weep for them. His heart longs for them to love others as they have been loved and as they love themselves. They love their animals more than this woman.
v. 16 "bound" Again we see this woman's physical problem is done by Satan. Not all physical issues have a spiritual root like this one. We also see here that many are bound and not able to free themselves w/out outside help. The father intentionally involves us in his plan and purpose. He will encourage, fan the flame in us to get us to join his work but he won't just step in and do it for us. Will we boldly engage others - in the face of opposition like Jesus?
questions
1) who in your life (work, family, school etc.) is afflicted with something and you may tend to avoid. (which disfunctional person do you avoid?) What excuse have you been making to avoid them?
2) are there things in your life (hobbies, obsessions etc.) that you are more dedicated to than helping the oppressed.
3) what can you do today to impact, encourage, personally touch one in need?
prayer
Father forgive us for loving our animals more than those in need. Fill us with your spirit today to love like we've been loved.
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