TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus can be found in the places to worship God, whether temple or synagogue. In today’s passage, we see Him again teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath (v. 10). As we’ve seen the past few days, Jesus carried out His promise to release the oppressed and once more faced opposition.

The first person introduced in the congregation was likely the most marginalized: a disabled woman (v. 11). Her physical condition, “crippled,” also describes her social and spiritual position. Jesus saw this woman who was usually invisible to others; He invited her to Himself. As with the leprous man and the bleeding woman, Jesus’ touch brought healing.

Notice that Jesus said, “You are set free from your infirmity” (v. 12). Liberation is not the typical way to express physical healing. Yet Luke has already told us that the woman was “crippled by a spirit,” and Jesus confirmed that she was under satanic bondage (v. 16). Luke makes a connection between this instance of physical infirmity and the influence of Satan. For this woman, physical healing could not be separated from her spiritual freedom. When she was healed and set free, her physical and spiritual postures transformed instantly (v. 13).

One job of the synagogue ruler was to maintain faithfulness to the Mosaic Law in the teaching and actions in the synagogue. According to this person, Jesus violated Deuteronomy 5:13. In front of the assembly, he challenged Jesus’ authority to heal. But Jesus is Lord, full of all power and authority in heaven and on earth (v. 15). In response to this charge, Jesus shamed His opponents and confirmed His authority to interpret the Law and fulfill God’s redemptive purposes (vv. 15-17). As He argued: If you can free an animal on the Sabbath, how much more a “daughter of Abraham”? Jesus emphasized her inclusion in the community of God. If you can liberate an animal bound for a few hours, how much more this woman bound by Satan for 18 years! Jesus made clear that God’s purposes are to release the oppressed, and it is a misinterpretation of the Law to deny salvation on the Sabbath.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus challenged the practices and power structures of His day. Like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace; like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Corrie ten Boom who resisted Nazi decrees; like John Perkins who withstood segregation, throughout history God’s people have been known for courageously opposing laws, systems, and power brokers that did not comport with God’s purposes in the world. If you need encouragement to stand for the Lord in the face of injustice, read a biography of one of these brave Christians.

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