Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath." The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. (NIV)
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus had just healed a crippled woman; but it was on the Sabbath and in the synagogue. It seems that He was deliberately provoking a confrontation, because the synagogue ruler could not contain his outburst. In his religious rule book, healing was work and therefore not for the Sabbath. He challenged Jesus and other religionists joined in to condemn the Saviour.
But He was ready for them, pointing out that if it was right to care for animals on the holy days, was it not more important for this woman who had been oppressed by Satan to be liberated in an act of worship and praise to God. Jesus labours the comparison to point out how ridiculous their petty rules had become; and how much the glorious Name of God had been dishonoured. We do not know how many joined in to accuse Jesus, but we do know that they were all humiliated, and the ordinary people rejoiced in the goodness of God.
Even today, it is possible to find religious people who are more concerned with powerfully controlling their people than encouraging them to be released by the power of God, from the grip of Satan. That is not good at all. The gospel is God's way to set people free, not bind them up. It is the Lord who has the power, and any human authority is only delegated - to be used according to His instructions. So let's take note of the intention and power of the Lord to liberate all those who sit in bondage ... and let's celebrate the many wonderful consequences of His salvation. May He fill us with joy in the Holy Spirit.
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