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by Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach
Luke 13:10-30
[Lk 13:10] And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. [11] And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. [12] When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." [13] And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. [14] But the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the crowd in response, "There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day." [15] But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? [16] "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?" [17] As He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him.
[18] So He was saying, "What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? [19] "It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and THE BIRDS OF THE AIR NESTED IN ITS BRANCHES."
[20] And again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? [21] "It is like leaven, which a woman tookand hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."
[22] And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. [23] And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, [24] "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. [25] "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ [26] "Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; [27] and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.’ [28] "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. [29] "And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. [30] "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last." (NAS)
Luke 13:10-17
[Lk 13:10] And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. [11] And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. [12] When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." [13] And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. [14] But the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the crowd in response, "There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day." [15] But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? [16] "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?" [17] As He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him.
There was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit.
Luke continues to set a stage that contrasts the viewpoint of the religious leaders with that of Jesus. Luke does this differently than The Gospel writers Matthew and John focused primarily on what Jesus said and then accented Christ's statements with his actions (or what John calls signs). Conversely, Luke shows us a man of actions whose words back up his works.
Does my ministry tell people what they should do or do I invite people to help me "labor in the harvest?" Jesus prayed for more laborers who would do the latter rather than the former [Mt 9:37-38]. There are far too many leaders that try to lead their flocks from the rear, shouting; "Go this way, go that way."
That is the type of leadership displayed by the rabbi in this story. He looks foolish telling Jesus he shouldn’t have healed the bent woman on the Sabbath saying, "There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day."
Here is the cancerous view of religion that Jesus condemns; "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?"
The Gospels give us the opportunity to examine Christ’s leadership style: Model, invite and then teach. In John, we learn the first two statements of Jesus' ministry were:
"What do you seek?" [John 1:38]
"Come and see." [John 1:39]
Here in Luke, Jesus act and then explain. Theory follows practice. Am I like Christ -- leading by example -- or am I like this rabbi, waiting for someone else to take the lead and then condemning them for whatever infraction I perceive was incorrect?
It is obvious that Christ commands us to lead with our actions and that the centerpiece of our faith be compassion. Am I that type of leader?
"On the Sabbath day!"
Is there any day more appropriate for a healing? Jesus announces; "Woman, you are freed from your sickness."
"You are freed!" proclaims our Lord. ‘Freed [GSN630 apoluo]’, within that word lies the reason for God's laws in Christ's eyes. The term, freed, also meant divorced, to break eternal bonds, and to shatter the chains of a slave. That is the crux of religion to Jesus; the laws, the scripture, the traditions, all supported one thing — freedom of the soul from bondage. "You are freed!"
How many businesses have gone bankrupt because they forget their existence depended upon serving their customer. Initially, there is a hunger in eyes of the entrepreneur to "serve the customer." An overarching attitude of; "I can do that!"
The business booms and slowly they can't keep up with sales. Managers manage and consultants consult, but they don't know the customer. They know the government, laws, taxes, they create forms and policy. Sales and service people spend more time looking down at paper than up at people. The customers become the government bureaucrats, accountants and the attorneys who track the "bottom line" but don't add to it.. Soon, every dollar that changes hands costs $0.75 in paperwork.
This was what had become of the church in Christ’s day; and it is what has become of too many churches today. The woman in this story was released from 18 years of binding pain. A true community would fall to its knees in worship of Jesus; forget the tithing plea and the worship order — they would just sit in awe of God’s mercy. Yet, this religious leader sees the woman as a distraction to his liturgical sensibilities. One Saturday morning, the Bearer of Salvation walked into this man’s synagogue and he sent him packing -- without so much as a membership card.
In Luke’s Gospel, this was Christ’s last visit to a synagogue. Our Lord extended his hand to the religious one last time and they would not shake it. In the process, they look like fools; they go from being indignant to being humiliated.
Where am I in this picture? Am I the fool who can’t move aside for Jesus? Am I the hypocrite who is left hardened in ritual while the need for healing cries out all around me? Am I the idiot who can’t see the point of the text because an ‘i’ was left undotted dot or a ‘t’ was left uncrossed?
Lord, remind me that my salvation is based upon the "woman who is set free" and not following the proper protocol for worship and ritual. Let me celebrate restoration — not analyze its doctrinal soundness. .
Luke 13:18-19
[18] So He was saying, "What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? [19] "It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and THE BIRDS OF THE AIR NESTED IN ITS BRANCHES."
"THE BIRDS OF THE AIR NESTED IN ITS BRANCHES."
From a seed hardly larger than a flake of ground pepper comes the largest bush in Palestine. How is that like Kingdom of God?
The seed is so small that one can hardly see it; who could expect such a tiny speck could become so massive and resilient. Mustard bushes could grow up to 15 or 20 feet in height and width. In like manner, who could have expected that the miniscule seed planted in the likes of Peter, John or James would outlast the empire of Ptolemy, Caligula and Nero? Who would expect that the fragile band that hid behind locked doors in Upper Room (Jn 20:19) would spread its branches to enclose the entire world in its embrace?
That is what I try to remember when I am in a detention center or jail sitting across from one lost kid or incarcerated adult. With just a pinch of attention and care, that little seed could become the centerpiece of God’s garden. Will I be available to provide the water and weeding that seed requires?
The mustard plant was hardy and thrived in a region where trees were scarce and demanded substantial scarce resources such as water and time. Being a Christian should be similar. We are not made for the niceties of this world and the comforts of a cushioned life. A Christian is most effective when she is a stream in the desert or a lamp in the darkness. We thrive where the climate for growth is toughest and where prima donnas wouldn’t last a day.
The mustard plant served many purposes. Not only did the mustard plant offer a flavorful condiment; but it was also a source of shade and a thick fence for sanctuary to even the humblest home. Because it was so adaptable, even the poorest family could appreciate its blessings.
Does that sound like a description of my church? Are we comfort, spice, and sanctuary to the most humble family in our parched world?
However, the availability of the mustard seed is what Christ lifts above it's other qualities. The immense plant makes itself available as sanctuary to all of God’s creatures. The mustard bush even became safety to the birds that would nest there. In its branches sprouts a diversity of beauty adding color, song, and even protection from desert pests and scavengers. In like manner -- those whom we often think we are protecting -- add depth, variety and a new strength to our lives. They keep us from the sin of comfort a stagnating death by mediocrity.
"The birds of the air nested in its branches," that is how our Lord puts it. The verb nested [GSN2681 kataskenoo] also means encamped, dwelled or "pitched their tent." Do the timid and vulnerable "pitch their tent" among us? Are they a living, thriving, joyous part of the people I call community?
Yet, lest I think that I am doing God a favor by acting with righteousness and integrity; look at the promise our Creator gives to the Mustard Seed people:
Psalm 15
[1] O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
[2] He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
[3] He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
[4] In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the LORD;
He swears to his own hurt and does not change;
[5] He does not put out his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken. (NAS)
Will I dwell in the tent of my Lord? Scripture rephrases the question in another manner; "Do the poor dwell in mine?"
Luke 13:20-21
[20] And again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? [21] "It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."
"A woman took and hid…"
How often do we keep religion silent or hidden? Because I work with County Jails and Detention Centers, I am often told that I need to keep the Gospel hidden. At first I chaffed at this; but then I began to see my own self-righteousness and belligerence in my attitude. I was becoming one of those prideful, religious, fools that denounced Christ at the beginning of this story. "Fine," I harrumphed, If I couldn’t talk about Jesus, I will shake your dust from my feet."
If I couldn’t talk about Jesus, then I wasn’t going to visit the incarcerated, the vulnerable, the lost. "That would sure teach them!"
Lord, please forgive me for being such an idiot!
It never even occurred to me that God could speak for Himself if I just loved others like Jesus loved me. I began to learn the language of listening; the language of consistency. "Just show up," I learned, "Ask the one question that would lead whoever I was with (guard or inmate) to open up their heart for the next hour. I learned that my testimony was not worth repeating until someone asked me the golden question; "Why do you even care about someone like me?"
Suddenly, words seemed superfluous; even undermining the moment. "I care because God came looking for me when I least wanted or deserved to be found. This is the least I can do and I wish there was more."
The leaven of God is not ostentatious. It doesn’t jump around on TV without six pounds of gold covering a $3,000 suit. It doesn’t strut about pompously demanding respect for religious authority (if I have to demand respect -- I'm not worthy of it).
The kingdom is like three inauspicious pecks of leaven kneaded deep into the bread dough. It is baked in the heat, invisibly acting "below the radar."
You are more apt to find a true Christian at the epicenter of change. A silent force touching the very nature of the lives into which he or she bonds. You don’t see the "Leaven-Leaders;" you see the change around them.
Luke 13:22-24
[22] And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. [23] And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, [24] "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
"Strive to enter..."
"Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?"
There is no secret to salvation and it could not be presented any clearer than in Luke's depiction of the last march of Jesus, the teachings on judgment from Matthew 25 or the simple ‘new commandment’ of Christ in John 13:34. Theologians and denominationalists continually try to break the salvation message into member’s rights and a check list of actions. Yet, walking with Jesus through the stories of Luke we learn that salvation is not something you say or do; it is the way that you live. Thus, the early Christians called themselves ‘Followers of the Way’ for Christianity is a way we live—not a thing we ‘did’ ("Oh, I already accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior").
In this determined march of Jesus to his ‘baptism’ we see that ‘the Way’ is abandonment of pride, self-righteousness, prejudice and of physical and material encumbrances. Yet, it is not just what we abandon that is important (that leads to the sin of asceticism for its own sake); the Way also involves what we choose to continue carrying: the vulnerable; the sick; the imprisoned; the abandoned.
The way is simple to phrase; "Love like Jesus loved."
Still, though simple, the Way is narrow and arduous. Luke uses a term that translates into ‘the way is agonizing [GSN75 agonizomai]’. The word is derived from the Greek Olympics; ‘to compete in the games’, ‘to contend for the prize’. Look at how Paul describes the Way:
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
[1Co 9:24] Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. [25] Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; [27] but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
The terminology is important for Jesus goes on to say; "For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
That phrase, "And will not be able," is actually one word [GSN2480 ischuo]. It literally means; they won’t be strong enough, they won’t have the power or force to prevail.
Can we grasp this in the entire context of this last earthly march of Jesus; the ‘Agonizing Way’ to the cross? If we have not trained for the prize, competed in the games, endured the narrow path than we won’t have what it takes to finish the race.
There are no wimpy Christians in heaven. The closer we get to God; the harder it becomes. Jesus was consistently clear about this. We battle for the souls of a lost people. We battle against principalities—worldly and spiritual—and through it all the enemy’s greatest temptation is always comfort; "Choose the easy way, you deserve to rest, what about your needs?"
Don’t buy it; never stop, as long as there is one untouched soul, one forgotten widow or neglected child. Never stop, NEVER!
Find your comfort in comforting, find your hope in caring, find your rest in meaning, but never stop.
Luke 13:25-30
[25] "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ [26] "Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; [27] and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.’ [28] "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. [29] "And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. [30] "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last."
"I do not know where you are from..."
It is harder to imagine a sadder story than this one in the entire bible. These people called Jesus, "Lord," but they were still excluded from the gates of heaven. They ate and drank from the Lord’s table; but they were still excluded from the gates of heaven. They had read the scriptures and recognized Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets; but they were still excluded from the gates of heaven. What did they miss? They missed Jesus in his true form. Not as Messiah; for they did call him, ‘Lord’, rather they missed Jesus in his most vulnerable form.
Remember how this story started; way back in verse ten when a bent woman is reprimanded by the retentive leader of the synagogue? Remember what he missed? He missed the chance to embrace the woman bent over by 18 years of demonic manipulation. He missed welcoming her, embracing her; he missed the opportunity to love her. He missed Jesus in his most vulnerable form. He knew all about religion but he was an ignorant hypocrite to Jesus.
He will be among those left ‘weeping and gnashing their teeth’. Jesus frequently uses this term to define hell. Most of my days I spend attempting to bring Christ’s love to places where there is ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’. In our jails, I hear men weep over lost opportunities and gnash their teeth in useless blame and excuses. Yet, praise the Lord, because our God is the God of second chances; the God who longs to forgive. Still, these men must seize the chance to make up for lost opportunities; they must cast out the demon of blame and excuses. If they do, God has a role for them; He has purpose and mission for even the most forlorn life.
This study is sent to jails all across the country; the men reading this and sharing it with their cellmates know that they can become God’s greatest light in man’s darkest places.
But, sadly, there are those who will never ‘get it’. They will cry out:
Matthew 25:44-46
[Mt 25:44] "Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ [45] "Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’[46] "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
But look at the response of the righteous ones; they didn't even know it was Jesus they were serving:
Matthew 25:37-40
[Mt 25:37] "Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? [38] ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?[39] ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] "The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
They didn’t love because they ‘had to’; they didn’t love to ‘get to’ heaven. They loved because God first loved them. Blessed are those who love radically, instinctually; who see pain and run towards it, not away. Blessed are those who give up their place in line to let in the smallest or the weakest. Blessed are those who could be way out front but choose instead to carry the helpless and encourage the weary. Blessed are they for—although they lose their place in line—they gain their place in God’s kingdom.
Copyright © 2007 Jerry Goebel. All Rights Reserved.
See Also:
Bent and Broken: Sermon on Luke 13:10-17
by Rev. Dr. Luke Bouman, Valparaiso UniversityShame on You!
by John JewellFreedom From Religious Rules, Regulations and Rituals
by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, WAThe Kyphotic Woman
by The Rev. Dr. Jana Childers, Dean, San Francisco Theological SeminaryThe Kingdom's Inevitable Victory
by Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies
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