And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. (Luke 13:11)
This woman’s life was in ruins. She had a physical condition that caused her to be bent over for 18 long years. This means her view was downwards, away from the Sun’s rays and towards the dinge of the streets. She had no power or means to become straight, or to dispel the darkness of her situation. The same is true spiritually, as it is for all, for all “have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Due to our iniquity we are bent. We were created to be vertical to God and horizontal to others in selfless love and service. But due to sin mankind became bent towards selfishness. We have no power to straighten ourselves, as we are all “dead in… trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
This infirmed woman had a low profile in society, an outcast to many. In particular the religious leaders would have been prone to shun her. But the passage poignantly states that Jesus “saw her.” Jesus takes notice of every afflicted soul. He not only sees but he feels and sympathises with us, as he himself bore our “griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3). His eyes and heart misses none.
Jesus calls this enfeebled woman to himself. This invitation extends to all. And he speaks with heaven’s love and power, “You are freed from your sickness.” This would have been enough, as his word heals and sets right. But Jesus proceeds by touching (laying hands upon) this “unclean” soul. We have a saviour that not only invites us to come to him for healing, but one who made physical contact with us. He took humanity and was tempted as we are. Jesus took the pain and the blight of our disease upon himself. He therefore not only sees our struggles but also has experienced them firsthand.
This woman was now marvellously straight, pointing like a sunflower towards the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2). In so doing she became a torch of God’s power and mercy. She freely glorifies Him. So will you, if you allow him to straighten you through his word and connective touch. You can know your sins are forgiven and be freed of any guilt or bondage that you bear.
Accept his invitation! Make hast and receive His deliverance!
Image used by permission of LumoProject
