A Future Freed From the Past

The story of the woman bent over double is one of my favourite accounts of Jesus bringing freedom and healing into someone’s life. It is special because of the particular way Jesus heals her that day, and also because of her courage in choosing not to be controlled by the hostile religious authorities. She comes forward in response to His command despite the strong disapproval around her.

Clearly, her physical disability was the result of a spiritual bondage which had held her for eighteen years, and Jesus first needed to untie her from this issue. I can’t help wondering whether it was related to a wrong relationship, a severe trauma, or perhaps the shame of some sinful history. Thankfully Jesus certainly knew, and completely released her from this shackle of the past. He was then able to bring healing to her back, which had been reflecting the inner spiritual bondage.

In response to the angry synagogue official, Jesus pointedly referred to the woman as a daughter of Abraham, in other words He was declaring her to be a covenant child of God, unquestionably eligible for His healing touch. And what better day was there for receiving that touch than on the Sabbath.

We can only imagine the consequence for her of that life-changing encounter with Jesus, the One she had surrendered to that day, responding to His voice above all the opposing and worldly chatter in the synagogue. And we have a similar choice each day of our own lives to say no to those reflecting the character of the ruler of this world and to say yes to its Creator.