Central Truth

Jesus is willing to minister to anyone at anytime and anyplace.

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Reflections

What would it be like if all hospitals were closed for business on Sundays because it was against the law to be opened. In this passage taken from Luke 13:10-17, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue and sees a woman who has been crippled by an evil spirit for 18 years. (Think about that, 18 years is a long time!) The passage continues by telling us that Jesus sees her and reaches out to her and instantly she is able to stand up straight and begins to praise and thank God. However, the synagogue leader is very indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath.

Two other similar scenes are provided elsewhere in Luke. In 6:6-11, Jesus heals a man with a deformed right hand while again teaching in a synagogue; and in 14:1-6, Jesus is in the home of a Pharisee leader and heals a man whose arms and legs are swollen from dropsy (edema). In all three situations Jesus initiated the action with those who were in need of healing, most likely to show that His power and authority came from God and were not constrained by man-made rules, laws, or Jewish customs.

Jesus was not violating any Old Testament commandments. Over time Jewish leaders had added numerous restrictions and prohibitions to the Old Testament teachings. In fact, they considered it to be acceptable to care for animals on the Sabbath, but not people. But Jesus had no problem going against the prevailing culture when it came to doing His Father's work. In fact, it's quite apparent that Jesus used these examples to make a point. He wasn't concerned that His actions would be labeled as "unacceptable."  Jesus was in the process of escorting in the Kingdom of God and He could not be deterred. His actions were both "shocking" and "traumatizing" to the Jewish leaders of His time.

I've had the experience of needing to go to the hospital emergency room on a Sunday for treatment and healing. And I am very grateful there wasn't a big "CLOSED" sign on the front door.

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Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of other examples where Jesus went against the prevailing culture?

2. Can you think of an example where you stood up for your Christian beliefs, even though it was unpopular to do so?

3. Has Jesus ever ministered to you for a certain condition or need without you asking Him to?

4. If you are in the medical profession will you tell someone about what Jesus did in these situations described in Luke?

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