Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV)
Read Luke 13:10-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. Verse 11And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. Verse 12When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." Verse 13When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. Verse 14But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." Verse 15But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? Verse 16And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" Verse 17When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
Devotion
Making time for worship, prayer and renewal is important if one is to maintain a Christian focus, stay connected with one’s faith community and grow in knowledge and service. Because Sabbath day observance is fundamental to the Christian life, we can understand why Jesus was criticized for disregarding Sabbath tradition. His intent, however, was not to encourage Sabbath day laxity, but to demonstrate Sabbath day capacity. Both styles of Sabbath day observance – the healing of a woman in need and traditional methods of worship, prayer and renewal – focus attention on God’s goodness, grace and mercy and give reason for our praise.
Prayer
God, keep us from defining worship so rigidly that we are unable to see alternate ways to praise your name and give witness to your story. Amen.