What is the meaning of Luke 13:11? And a woman there Jesus is teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath when Luke writes, “And a woman there…” (Luke 13:11). • Luke slows the scene to spotlight a single, ordinary worshiper—much like the widow with two mites in Luke 21:1-4 or the crippled man in Acts 3:2. • Scripture often shows the Lord seeking out individuals in the crowd (John 4:7; Mark 5:32), reminding us that God’s care is never impersonal. • The setting in God’s house underlines that bondage can exist even among the faithful, yet Christ meets us where we gather to hear His Word. had been disabled by a spirit Luke identifies the cause plainly: not mere physiology but “a spirit.” • Other passages confirm that evil spirits can afflict bodies (Job 2:7; Mark 9:17-22), while Acts 10:38 says Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” • The text does not deny physical realities; it reveals the deeper spiritual root of her condition. • This reminds believers of the unseen battle described in Ephesians 6:12 and the Savior’s authority over every dark power (Colossians 2:15). for eighteen years Eighteen years—over 6,500 days—of suffering had piled up. • Scripture highlights long-term trials to show both human frailty and divine faithfulness (John 5:5’s 38-year sufferer; Genesis 15:13’s 400-year wait). • Endurance under prolonged hardship is precious to God (James 1:12; Galatians 6:9). • The long delay also magnifies the glory when deliverance finally comes. She was bent over The says she “was bent over,” her posture an outward picture of inward oppression. • Psalm 38:6 describes being “bent over and greatly bowed down,” linking physical stooping with the weight of affliction. • Isaiah 61:1 foretells Messiah releasing the captives and healing the broken—exactly what Jesus is about to do. • The visual speaks to any believer weighed down by guilt, grief, or spiritual attack. Christ still lifts the bowed. and could not straighten up at all Total inability underscores her helplessness. • Romans 5:6 calls us “powerless” before Christ intervenes. • Luke 18:27 records Jesus saying, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” • Her condition sets the stage for grace: only the Savior can do what she (and the synagogue) cannot (John 15:5). summary Luke 13:11 introduces a woman trapped for eighteen years under a disabling spirit, hunched and utterly unable to free herself. The verse paints a vivid portrait of personal, spiritual, and physical bondage, then places her within arm’s reach of Jesus, the compassionate Redeemer. It reminds us that the Lord sees individual sufferers, recognizes the real spiritual battle behind many struggles, honors steadfast endurance, and possesses complete authority to accomplish what is impossible for us. |
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