Topical Bible: Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years

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In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a profound example of thankfulness to God through the account of the woman who was bent over for eighteen years. This narrative is found in Luke 13:10-17 and serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus' compassion and the appropriate response of gratitude.

Biblical Account

The account begins with Jesus teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. Among the attendees was a woman who had been afflicted by a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and unable to straighten herself. The text describes her condition as one of great physical and spiritual oppression, highlighting the severity and longevity of her suffering.

"When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, 'Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.' Then He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God" (Luke 13:12-13). This miraculous healing was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual liberation, as Jesus freed her from the bondage that had held her captive for nearly two decades.

Response of Thankfulness

The woman's immediate response to her healing was to glorify God. Her thankfulness was expressed through praise, acknowledging the divine intervention that had restored her. This act of glorification is significant, as it reflects a heart that recognizes the source of her healing and responds with appropriate gratitude.

The narrative contrasts her response with that of the synagogue leader, who was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. Jesus rebuked the leader, emphasizing the value of compassion and mercy over rigid adherence to tradition. He pointed out that the woman, a "daughter of Abraham," deserved to be freed from her bondage, even on the Sabbath (Luke 13:16).

Theological Implications

This account illustrates several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the compassion of Jesus, who sees and responds to human suffering. His willingness to heal on the Sabbath highlights the priority of mercy and the breaking of spiritual and physical chains.

Secondly, the woman's response of thankfulness serves as a model for believers. Her immediate glorification of God demonstrates the appropriate reaction to divine intervention and blessing. It reminds Christians of the importance of recognizing God's hand in their lives and responding with gratitude.

Lastly, the narrative challenges believers to examine their own attitudes towards God's work. The synagogue leader's indignation serves as a caution against allowing legalism or tradition to overshadow the joy and thankfulness that should accompany witnessing God's power and grace.

In summary, the account of the woman who was bent over for eighteen years is a profound example of thankfulness to God. Her healing and subsequent glorification of God serve as a reminder of the importance of gratitude in the life of a believer, encouraging Christians to recognize and respond to God's work with a heart full of praise.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 13:13
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

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... not disdain to beg a little water from the Samaritan woman. ... It was so laden with
grain that it bent on its ... year in which Therese became "Servant of God" by the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm