Sermon at Joint Service at All Saints’ Church, Winterslow - 10th Sunday after Trinity –Sunday 24 August 2025
Luke 13:10-17
May I speak in the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit and may these words be those of you, Lord, and may they be a
blessing to all who listen and hear them.
In this morning’s gospel passage taken
from Luke’s gospel, 13:10-17, we are presented with the story of Jesus healing
a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. This passage is filled with
powerful themes of compassion, healing, liberation, and the clash between
religious legalism and the compassion of Jesus.
The story begins with Jesus teaching in a
synagogue on the Sabbath. This was a common practice for Jesus, as he often
used these opportunities to share important truths with those who were gathered
to worship. On this particular Sabbath, Jesus noticed a woman who was bent over
and unable to straighten up. This woman had been afflicted with this condition
for 18 years, a significant amount of time to be suffering from such a
debilitating ailment.
It is important to note that in Jewish
culture at the time, physical ailments were often viewed as a result of sin or
divine punishment, just as today, some of the prosperity gospel preachers use
this as a way of extracting money from those who are suffering from
disabilities and ailments. Therefore, this woman may have been marginalized and
looked down upon by society due to her condition. However, Jesus does not see
her as a sinner or someone deserving of her affliction. Instead, he is moved
with compassion for her and reaches out to her, saying, "Woman, you are
set free from your ailment" (Luke 13:12).
This act of healing demonstrates the
power and compassion of Jesus. By healing this woman, Jesus not only physically
restores her but also frees her from the burden of her affliction. He brings
liberation and wholeness to her life, showing those around her, and us today,
that his ministry is not just about words but about tangible acts of compassion
and healing. This demonstrates Jesus as a caring and loving healer who is
willing to reach out to those who are suffering and in need of his touch.
However, not everyone in the synagogue is
pleased with Jesus' actions. The synagogue leader, who represents the religious
authorities of the time, becomes angry that Jesus has healed on the Sabbath. In
Jewish law, work was prohibited on the Sabbath, and healing was considered
work. Therefore, the synagogue leader accuses Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law
by performing this act of healing.
Jesus responds to the synagogue leader's
accusation by pointing out the hypocrisy of the situation. He notes that even
the religious leaders themselves would untie their animals and lead them to
water on the Sabbath, showing compassion for their needs. Yet, they would deny
this same compassion to a daughter of Abraham who had been suffering for 18
years. Jesus exposes the legalistic mindset of the religious leaders who
prioritize rules over compassion and love for their fellow human beings.
Through this interaction, Jesus
challenges the narrow-minded interpretation of the Sabbath law and redefines
the true meaning of Sabbath. He shows that the Sabbath is not just a day to
refrain from work but a day to show mercy and compassion to those who are
suffering and in need. Jesus demonstrates that true Sabbath observance is about
fulfilling the spirit of the law, which is love for God and love for neighbour.
In the end, Jesus' actions are
vindicated, as the people rejoiced at the miraculous healing of the woman. They
recognize the goodness and power of God at work through Jesus, and they glorify
God for the wonderful things they have seen.
This passage therefore, invites us today
to reflect on our own attitudes towards compassion, healing, and legalism. Are
we like the religious leaders, who are quick to judge and condemn others for
not following the letter of the law? Or are we like Jesus, who shows compassion
and love to those who are suffering and in need?
As Christians, we are called to follow
the example of Jesus and embody his compassion and love in all our dealings
with others. We are called to prioritize mercy and justice over legalism and
rigid adherence to rules. We are called to be agents of healing and liberation
in a broken and hurting world, just as Jesus was for the woman in the
synagogue.
As we look around us at the broken world
today, where bigotry and prejudice seem to be on the increase, where
communities and cultures are becoming split between “them and us”, we need to
examine ourselves in this context – are we showing lack of mercy and compassion
to those who are not like ourselves, or are we embracing the differences?
This passage also challenges us to
examine our own attitudes towards Sabbath observance. Do we view the Sabbath as
a legalistic obligation or as a day of rest and renewal? Are we willing to
follow Jesus' example and challenge the status quo in order to bring healing
and liberation to those who are suffering?
In conclusion, Luke 13:10-17 is a
powerful and challenging passage that invites us to reflect on our
understanding of compassion, healing, and legalism. It reminds us of the
transformative power of Jesus' compassion and love, and calls us to emulate his
example in our own lives.
Let us pray
Father God, may we be inspired by this
story of the woman in the synagogue, being mindful of the words and teachings
of your Son; may we show mercy and compassion to those who are suffering and in
need, and help and guidance us to always prioritize love and justice over rigid
adherence to rules and regulations so that we may truly be like Christ and
worthy of your love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
MFB/222/21082025
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