All Jesus’ Opponents Were Put to Shame

This meditation is based on a passage for November 3, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 13:10-17

Reflection and Question: Although all the gospel writers include stories of Jesus irritating the religious authorities by performing healings on the Sabbath, this is the only place where this particular story is told. Luke adds his editorial commentary at the end, reporting that the crowd was delighted by the wonderful things Jesus did. Luke also says that Jesus’ “opponents were put to shame.” In the light of Jesus’ compassion, the synagogue leader’s effort to keep rules continues to strike us as shameful, while Jesus’ love shines through and is one of the ways we are to follow Him. Which role in this story is most often yours in life?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, You ask us with the people back then, “Ought not this woman be set free from this bondage on this Sabbath day?” Find the “Yes” in our hearts and nurture in our hearts the same compassion You showed toward this woman. Amen.