Working the Sabbath!

For Wednesday, June 18, 2025:

Luke 13:12-13 NIV: “When Jesus saw the crippled woman, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”

This story sounds OK so far, but it’s the Sabbath and Jesus is teaching in the synagogue, and therein lies the problem – doing work on the Sabbath, even if it’s good work. Some people, obediently serving the letter of the law, have forgotten the spirit of the law. Love and compassion are high up on the list of doing the next right thing, and those actions please God. Jesus says that if we can relieve 18 years of suffering with a simple act, we should put the miracle in motion even though it’s the Sabbath.

The synagogue leader confronted Jesus. “There are six days for work. So heal on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

Jesus points out that even the most religious people water their livestock on the Sabbath. Are they saying that one kind of work is OK, but another is wrong? Out of which side of their mouths are they talking?

But friends, let’s get to the real heart of the matter. Jesus explains that Satan and his demons had kept the woman bound for 18 years. So the real problem wasn’t one of healing. Casting out demons was the issue, and the Sabbath is the perfect day to take Satan down a notch!

The people were delighted with all the wonderful things Jesus was doing!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship