What can we learn about faith from the woman's healing in Luke 13:11? The Scene Luke Describes Luke 13:11 sets the stage plainly and historically: “And a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all”. • Eighteen relentless years of suffering—no exaggeration, no symbolism, but a literal span of time. • Her ailment is spiritual in origin, yet visibly physical. Scripture treats both realms as real and interacting. • Despite her pain, she is in the synagogue on the Sabbath, positioning herself where God’s Word is proclaimed. Living Faith Shows Up What do we learn about faith when we watch this woman? • Faith perseveres in worship. She could have stayed home, but she chooses the gathering (Hebrews 10:25). • Faith does not always speak; sometimes it simply stands—or bends—before the Lord. • Faith trusts God’s timing. Eighteen years did not silence her hope. • Faith responds when Christ calls. Verse 12 records Jesus saying, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” She steps forward; no argument, just obedience. • Faith glorifies God after deliverance. “Immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God” (v. 13). Worship is the natural overflow of genuine faith (Psalm 34:18). Jesus’ Initiative Strengthens Faith • He saw her (v. 12). Faith often begins with recognizing we have first been noticed by Him (John 1:48). • He spoke to her. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • He laid His hands on her (v. 13). The touch of the Son of God bridges spiritual and physical realms with authority. Faith’s Reward Is Immediate and Complete • “Immediately she straightened up” (v. 13). No gradual therapy, no partial fix—full restoration. • The same Jesus who healed then remains “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • Faith receives what Christ sovereignly gives—sometimes instantaneous healing, always eternal salvation (Mark 5:34). Lessons for Our Walk Today • Keep showing up. Consistent presence in worship environments invites divine encounters. • Don’t measure God’s faithfulness by the calendar. Delays refine faith; they never negate His promise. • Listen for His voice above the noise of affliction. One word from Christ changes realities. • Move when He calls. Action validates belief (James 2:17). • Celebrate openly. Public gratitude magnifies God and strengthens fellow believers’ faith (Luke 17:15). Scriptures That Echo These Truths • Hebrews 11:6—faith seeks and is rewarded. • Psalm 103:2-3—He “forgives all your iniquities” and “heals all your diseases.” • Luke 18:8—Jesus looks for persevering faith on the earth. • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Bringing It Home Luke’s brief but vivid narrative shows that authentic faith keeps attending, keeps hoping, and stands ready to respond. When Jesus calls, faith bends no more—it straightens, it glorifies, and it walks out free. |
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