And behold, there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit: and she was bent double.  And when Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness”.  And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again, and began glorifying God. 

Luke 13: 11-13

I find this fascinating.  I’ve heard and read all kinds of teachings on this passage but what stands out to me is just this.  Jesus took one look at this woman, immediately noticed not only what was wrong but what was causing it and His first words were “you are freed.” Jesus knew what the kingdom of God was supposed to look like and His Father’s kingdom did not look like this – a woman bent double because of a sickness brought on by a spirit.  And He set her free.  He didn’t first teach her anything, or determine if she was an Israelite, or expect her to have faith, He didn’t question if she dabbled in the spirit world or even what her name was.  He called her woman and set her free.

It reminds me of the activity sheets I give kids where there are some things in a picture that just don’t belong there and their task is to find what is wrong with the picture.  Jesus saw instantly what was wrong with this picture.  Sometimes we fail to do that.  We tend to accept some things as just part and parcel of life – flu during flu season, allergies during allergy season, arthritis as we age and so on.  But I don’t see those things in the kingdom of God and apparently Jesus didn’t either.

I really love how Jesus moved so quickly on that woman’s behalf.  Jesus came to set things right for all of us.  He came to proclaim liberty to the captives.  What holds you captive today?  What things are wrong with the picture of your life?  Bring them to Jesus and let Him move on your behalf today bringing healing and freedom from all that doesn’t fit the description of the kingdom of God.

Jesus, You are so compassionate, so tender and loving towards me and so determined to see me set free that You gave Your life so that I could be free.  Help me to walk in that freedom today.  Open my eyes to where I am blinded by the works of the enemy and cause me to see what’s wrong with the picture. Enable me to proclaim liberty over myself and others in Your name.  Amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well.

pic credit: busy.org