Do You See This Woman?Sample

Devotional:

The Woman Jesus Delivered

In our passage today, we meet a woman who was bent over and completely unable to stand up straight. Jesus freed her from this oppressive posture, and she was able to move forward in newfound freedom. Let’s dive in.

The Bible intentionally tells us that this woman had been crippled by an evil spirit for 18 long years. She was in spiritual bondage. She was a slave to this condition. 

Can you imagine the agony she faced? This condition would’ve caused suffering in every area of her life: physical pain, emotional isolation, and spiritual torment.

This woman’s head would’ve been forced to look only at the ground—a posture of defeat and hopelessness. It also would’ve been impossible for her to look anyone in the eye. She would’ve been cut off from human interaction by her posture alone. 

Think about sleeping in this position, getting dressed, bathing, or trying to eat. This sickness would’ve hindered her entire day-to-day routine. 

Finally, remember that in this society, this woman would’ve also been considered unclean. Others would’ve avoided touching her so that they wouldn’t become unclean, too. Rejection would’ve become part of her identity. 

I love the heart of this woman. Despite her condition, she was there in the synagogue, listening to Jesus teach. She clearly had a heart for God and hadn’t given up on her faith.

Jesus called her to Himself and she went. She didn’t say no, blame Him for her condition, or walk away. She responded to His call and took the risk of going.

I love that when Jesus healed this woman, her posture immediately changed. The weight was instantly lifted! I know that when I confess shame or regret to Jesus, I feel an immediate sense of relief and freedom.

Let’s pause here for a moment and see how this woman’s story applies to us.

Our sin weighs a lot. This weight cripples us to the point that we’re bent over double and can’t move forward. Our spiritual enemy wants us to live in oppression and stop pursuing God’s purposes for our lives. He’ll do anything he can to take us out.

We can also begin to take on this posture of defeat through pain, insecurity, shame, or fear. We might even embrace and live out this way of life as our identity. It’s easy to lose faith when we face battles in life. We all struggle with different trials, struggles, and weaknesses. This world is fallen, and evil exists all around us. 

When you feel defeated or ashamed, remember this: Jesus came to set the oppressed free. 

He took our place on the cross and died to pay the price for our freedom once and for all. He carried the heavy yoke of our sin’s crushing weight so we don’t have to. 

The first step to freedom is always to go to Jesus. He gives our weary souls rest. He shares our burdens, helps us through our trials, and renews our minds so we can stand strong in His power. 

Back to our story. Jesus miraculously restored this woman’s health, hope, and quality of life. Did you notice the first thing she did after she stood up straight? 

The Bible doesn’t say that she jumped up and down, ran around, or even took a single step. It says that she immediately stood up and worshipped God. I want to have a heart of gratitude like this woman did!

Just as Jesus healed the crippled woman, He can release you from any bondage you face today. You can live standing straight up, spiritually unburdened from the heavy weight of slavery. 

Jesus has already won the victory. When He sets us free, we’re free indeed!

Reflect:

• What physical, emotional, or spiritual battles are you facing today?
• How can you follow this woman’s example of gratitude and praise?