Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Jesus Christ Who Liberates
Luke 13:10-17
When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free
from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened
up and praised God” (v.12,13)
Devotion
When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free
from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened
up and praised God” (v.12,13)
Devotion
Dear friends, in today's Gospel reading, we see Jesus' powerful act of liberation. For eighteen long years, a dear sister had been bound by the chains of infirmity, unable to stand tall. But Jesus, the Great Liberator, saw her, called her forth, and declared her freedom! With a compassionate touch, he broke the shackles of oppression, restoring her to wholeness and praise.
This incident is unique to Luke, and it deals with the healing of a crippled woman and the subsequent cruel reaction to it. This healing episode, which is effectively a piece of teaching, is set against a synagogue worship and is the blending of a miracle, a conflict and a pronouncement.
Compassionate love: Jesus’ intervention in the life of this woman gives an insight into His intentions and the source of His actions. The double action of speaking the authoritative words and the laying on of hands (v. 12-13) suggest the difficulty and greatness of the cure. This is compounded by the length of the illness (eighteen years), that carried with it the chronic implications of physical, mental and spiritual agony, which in turn made her life miserable. And yet her case is neither reported nor brought forward before Jesus, rather, it was His eyes that fell upon her. The moment Jesus saw her struggle amidst the worship, Jesus was overtaken by compassion, and the rest is history.
Liberative love: Compassion without action is just an observation. Action that emerges out of compassion will always be life–giving and transformative, whereas calculated steps with ulterior selfish motives are demonic. The ruler of the synagogue regarded the healing as a breach of the law of sabbath rest (Dt. 5.13), but instead of accusing, Jesus addresses his complaint, simultaneously bringing deliverance to the woman and criticizing the narrow legalism and hypocrisy of the Pharisees who make laws to safeguard their own material interest. Jesus gives physical healing to the woman, and He goes another mile by validating the identity of the woman during the worship. ‘Daughter of Abraham’ is a title of honor rarely employed, and the use of this title is indicative of Jesus’ courteous regard for women as well as a reward for her genuine participation in the worship despite her suffering.
May this incident inspire us to seek Jesus' liberating power in our own lives. Where are we bound by fear, anxiety, or shame? Where do we need Jesus to declare our freedom and straighten our paths? May we, like the crippled woman, experience the transformative touch of Christ and rise up to new life, praising God and delighting in his wonderful works. May we, too, be set free to stand tall and walk in the light of his love.
This incident is unique to Luke, and it deals with the healing of a crippled woman and the subsequent cruel reaction to it. This healing episode, which is effectively a piece of teaching, is set against a synagogue worship and is the blending of a miracle, a conflict and a pronouncement.
Compassionate love: Jesus’ intervention in the life of this woman gives an insight into His intentions and the source of His actions. The double action of speaking the authoritative words and the laying on of hands (v. 12-13) suggest the difficulty and greatness of the cure. This is compounded by the length of the illness (eighteen years), that carried with it the chronic implications of physical, mental and spiritual agony, which in turn made her life miserable. And yet her case is neither reported nor brought forward before Jesus, rather, it was His eyes that fell upon her. The moment Jesus saw her struggle amidst the worship, Jesus was overtaken by compassion, and the rest is history.
Liberative love: Compassion without action is just an observation. Action that emerges out of compassion will always be life–giving and transformative, whereas calculated steps with ulterior selfish motives are demonic. The ruler of the synagogue regarded the healing as a breach of the law of sabbath rest (Dt. 5.13), but instead of accusing, Jesus addresses his complaint, simultaneously bringing deliverance to the woman and criticizing the narrow legalism and hypocrisy of the Pharisees who make laws to safeguard their own material interest. Jesus gives physical healing to the woman, and He goes another mile by validating the identity of the woman during the worship. ‘Daughter of Abraham’ is a title of honor rarely employed, and the use of this title is indicative of Jesus’ courteous regard for women as well as a reward for her genuine participation in the worship despite her suffering.
May this incident inspire us to seek Jesus' liberating power in our own lives. Where are we bound by fear, anxiety, or shame? Where do we need Jesus to declare our freedom and straighten our paths? May we, like the crippled woman, experience the transformative touch of Christ and rise up to new life, praising God and delighting in his wonderful works. May we, too, be set free to stand tall and walk in the light of his love.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, heavenly father, help us to glorify your name by our actions that emerge out of
compassion. Amen.
Rev. Jobin John
Vicar, Bethany MTC, New York & Tabore MTC, New York
Gracious Lord, heavenly father, help us to glorify your name by our actions that emerge out of
compassion. Amen.
Rev. Jobin John
Vicar, Bethany MTC, New York & Tabore MTC, New York