Setting Free

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

SETTING FREE 

Luke 13:10-17

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity."  13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. 14 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." 15 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? 16 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?" 17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

NIV

A simple act of kindness for our Lord, but it does not sit well with those who think themselves religious. They were far more interested in observing the law then having compassion on someone. But Jesus in his divine wisdom shows their hypocrisy by pointing out they only use the law for when it is convenient as well as for show. In his wisdom he uses their setting donkeys free to him setting this woman free which only humiliated them in front of the people. Perhaps it is not the best witness to humiliate those who oppose the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, but it sure is a great witness to demonstrate compassion rather than simply being religious by claiming adherence to denominational doctrines or rules and regulations or for the matter declaring we abide by the scriptures. It is especially hypocritical if we claim we are believers but never involve ourselves with people in need. Sure we might open our wallet, a bit, but do we actually perform any acts of compassion or mercy as our Lord did with this woman? Yes, it is easy for him to heal because he is God, but he did this out of compassion. Certainly he knew he would get opposition and have the opportunity to teach a truth, but it does not make sense he would heal just for that reason. He healed her because she had a need. This is why we should do whatever we do, because someone has a need. Now there is a difference between human and divine compassion. Unbelievers express human compassion. There are many caring organizations which help those in need. Philanthropists abound among the wealthy class in our society. The famous broadcast their support for various groups that help people in need. Churches for that matter support certain works of mercy throughout the world with financial aid. But what is divine compassion? In this case it was setting someone free from the bondage of Satan. Could that truly be the real form of compassion? When we work in partnership with the Holy Spirit, speaking to someone about their need for Jesus, we are in fact freeing them from the bondage of Satan. This is truly a divine act of compassion. This is something an unbeliever, or a religious person, cannot do no matter how much they demonstrate human compassion.  True divine compassion is setting someone free.