Luke 13:12

"Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. She was bent over and could in no way straighten herself up."

Key Reflection

In Luke 13:12, Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering from an infirmity for eighteen years, likely a severe physical condition such as chronic back pain or a debilitating illness. The original audience would have immediately recognized the social and economic challenges this woman faced, given that long-term illness was often viewed with suspicion and could lead to social isolation. Her inability to straighten up underscores her desperate situation, making Jesus' intervention both timely and miraculous in their eyes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. Thou art loosed from thine infirmity. This was a remarkable declaration. It does not appear that the woman applied to him for a cure; yet Jesus addressed her, and the disease departed. How clear would be the proofs from such a case that he was the Messiah! And how mighty the power of him that by a word could restore her to health! {k} "thou art loosed from" Joe 3:10 __________________________________________________________________

Related Verses

More from Luke 13

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