A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath

Luke 13:10–17
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J. Vernon McGee told of a man who came to him and said, “I’ll give you $100 if you will show me where the Sabbath day has been changed.” McGee answered, “I don’t think it has been changed. Saturday is Saturday, it is the seventh day of the week, and it is the Sab … More

Sabbath

Jesus went to the synagogue to teach on the Sabbath day, which was Saturday (v. 10). On this occasion there was a woman present who had been crippled for 18 years, and who, like Job, was physically afflicted by Satan (vv. 11-12). This does not mean that all sickness is caused by Satan, so we must not blame everything on him (Matt 6:17-19). Jesus heals this woman but is severely criticized by the ruler of the synagogue for doing it on the Sabbath. He accused Jesus of breaking the rules of the Sabbath (vv. 13-14). The religious leader saw healing as part of a doctor’s profession, and practicing one’s profession on the Sabbath was prohibited.

The religious leaders were constantly trying to convict Him of breaking the Sabbath restrictions with such miraculous works. Jesus rebuked the ruler and reminded him that he treated his animals far better than he treated this poor woman (v.15-16)). Jesus was saying that the Sabbath was not intended to prevent works of necessity or mercy. Any tradition that keeps us from helping others is not from God. In fact, it is very easy to use tradition as an excuse for not caring for others.

The total hypocrisy and foolish thinking of the religious leaders were obvious. As a result, Jesus’ opponents were humiliated while His admirers were amazed and rejoiced (v. 17).

Application

I must never think that I am better than someone else because I worship God on a certain day of the week. The important thing is that I take time to worship Him.

Luke 13:10-17 (English Standard Version)

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