In today’s Bible passage, Luke 13:10-17, Jesus encounters two people in desperate need of deliverance. One was a woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity, the other, a religious leader who had a certain bent toward legalism and a lack of compassion. They both needed straightening out.
The woman was obviously in need of physical healing; however, the ruler of the synagogue had a more subtle but equally serious need. His whole perception of God’s law in relation to human need was woefully off balance and damaging to both himself and all who came under his so called “ministry.” He made it very clear to his parishioners that no one had a right to expect God to do anything for them that day because it was the Sabbath, and as such, no one was to do any work … not even God! “There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore, come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.” (Luke 13:14) Behind this rebuke was a not-so-subtle criticism of Jesus who had delivered this woman from the clutches of the enemy.
Now that the woman was taken care of, Jesus directed his attention to the ruler. It was his turn to be straightened out. First, Jesus accuses him of being a hypocrite for imposing his interpretation of the law upon others while violating his own teaching when it benefits him. He justifies his actions as necessary exceptions to the rule while he condemns others for theirs. He releases his ox or mule from its stall lest it go one day without water but has no concern for this woman who has suffered under the bondage of Satan for the past eighteen years. Where is the compassion? He has more concern for the care of his animals than he does for the plight of this woman. This was never God’s intention!
Neither was it His intention to issue laws that would benefit some while hurting others. All his commandments are to be observed with compassion: out of love for God and love for others. Is there ever a law that passes through Congress that is mutually beneficial for all concerned? (Is that even possible?) One group is promoted while another is oppressed. One person receives benefits at the expense of someone else. Little is done for the common good. Selfish interests influence practically every decision we make on both a personal and national level. Not so with God. He always has our best interests at heart. Everyone is considered: male or female, rich or poor, saint or sinner. Understood correctly, His commandments are not meant to make our lives more difficult or to add to our suffering, but rather, as Jesus said, … “His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28)
Contrary to the criticism of some, Jesus was a champion and defender of women. It’s amazing when reading through the Gospels how much loving attention he showed them, and the value he places on them in a society where they were considered little more than a piece of property. Though he never let anything, or anyone distract him from his ultimate mission, through his teaching and example Jesus planted seeds that would eventually bring about positive changes in societies wherever the gospel would be preached and embraced.
The fact is, if the people were to come and be healed on any other day of the week it most likely wouldn’t happen - not unless Jesus was present that day. The synagogue’s ruler had neither the faith, power, nor compassion to bring relief to anybody’s suffering. Religion has a way of keeping people down. Jesus has a way of lifting them up. Religion says, “Suffer a little longer.” Jesus says, “NOT ONE MORE DAY!”
