Reflection on (Luke 13:10-13)
Stories of healing are evident in many places in the Bible. One such story is that of the Bent Woman recorded in Luke 13:10-13:
Now [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. (NRSV)
I can identify with this “bent woman.” She is in pain and in search of some relief. She doesn’t know where to turn for help because, although she is distressed, she does not know the exact nature of her discontentment. No one is able to console her. No one has the “right” answers to help her out of her predicament. She desperately tries all kinds of ways and looks in all kinds of places to make the pain go away.
You may know someone like her, too. In the story, the bent woman doesn’t have the presence of mind to ask for help, but Jesus saw her need and responded with a healing touch. That’s what he did for me. He can do the same thing for you.
Prayer
Precious Jesus, thank you for anticipating our needs and calling us over so that we may be healed. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Source: Lorrie C. Reed. (2014) How Big Is Her God? A Black Woman’s Theological Reflections on Domestic Violence (2nd Edition).