20250824_Sermon_on_the_Bent_Over_Woman_-_Stand_Tall.docx

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we reflected on the story of the bent-over woman whom Jesus healed in the synagogue, exploring how Christ’s compassion restores not only individuals but entire communities. We considered the ways people are marginalized—by disability, difference, or internal burdens—and how Jesus’ first act of healing is to see, call forward, and restore belonging. The sermon challenged us to examine our own community’s inclusivity, recognizing that even with good intentions, we may overlook barriers others face. We were reminded that Jesus’ compassion is deeply personal, that he sees each of us in our pain, and that true healing often begins with being seen and welcomed. The message then turned to justice, urging us to not only welcome those on the margins but also to challenge systems and rules that perpetuate exclusion, following Jesus’ example of prioritizing compassion over rigid legalism. Through stories both personal and societal, we were encouraged to speak out for justice, support one another in our burdens, and trust that Christ’s love enables us to stand tall and help others do the same.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Healing Begins with Belonging: Jesus’ first act in the synagogue was not to fix the woman’s physical condition, but to call her forward and restore her place in the community. True healing often starts with being seen, valued, and included. When we overlook or sideline others, we diminish not only them but our whole community. Ask yourself: who in your life or church is waiting to be called forward and welcomed?
• 2. The Weight of Invisible Burdens: Many things can bend us over—grief, shame, poverty, or the sense of not measuring up. These burdens are often unseen by others, yet Christ sees them intimately. In our own struggles, we are invited to be still, to let God hold us close, and to trust that our pain is not hidden from him. Sometimes, the most profound healing is simply knowing we are seen and loved in our suffering.
• 3. Compassion Over Rules: Jesus challenged the religious leaders who prioritized rules over people, reminding us that the heart of God’s law is compassion and inclusion. Systems and traditions, even well-intentioned ones, can become barriers to grace if we lose sight of their purpose. We are called to examine our own practices and institutions, ensuring they serve to protect and uplift the vulnerable rather than exclude them.
• 4. The Power and Cost of Speaking Out: Change happens when people refuse to accept injustice and raise their voices, even when it is costly. The journey toward justice—whether for the disabled, the poor, or the LGBTQ2S+ community—requires courage, persistence, and solidarity. If you feel unable to speak out right now, know that receiving support is also holy; when you are able, your voice can help tip the balance toward justice and belonging.
• 5. Standing Tall Together: Christ’s call is not only to personal healing but to communal strength. We are invited to stand tall—not in pride, but in the confidence that we are seen, loved, and called to help others stand tall as well. In times of transition or uncertainty, we can trust the Spirit to guide us, listen deeply to one another, and move forward together, bearing one another’s burdens and making space for every voice.

1. In Luke 13:10-17, what does Jesus do before he heals the woman? How does the crowd and the synagogue leader respond?
2. According to Luke 6:20-22, who does Jesus call “blessed,” and what kinds of situations are mentioned?
3. What is the main concern of the synagogue leader in the story, and how does Jesus respond to it?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of people being “bent over” by things other than physical disability?

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to call the woman forward in front of everyone before healing her? What does this say about belonging and community?
2. The sermon says that “healing begins with belonging.” How does being seen and welcomed by others help someone begin to heal, even before their circumstances change?
3. The synagogue leader was focused on keeping the Sabbath law. According to the sermon, what is the deeper purpose behind God’s laws, and how did Jesus challenge the leader’s understanding?
4. The Beatitudes in Luke say “Blessed are you who are poor…” How does this personal language affect the way we understand who God sees and cares for?

1. The sermon asked us to consider: Who in your life or in our church might be waiting to be “called forward” and welcomed? Is there someone you’ve noticed who seems on the margins? What could you do this week to help them feel seen and included?
2. Think about a time when you felt “bent over” by an invisible burden—like grief, shame, or stress. Did anyone notice or reach out to you? How did that affect your healing? How can you be more attentive to the hidden burdens others might be carrying?
3. Are there any rules, traditions, or habits in our church or community that might unintentionally keep people out or make them feel unwelcome? What is one small change we could make to be more inclusive?
4. The sermon talked about the cost and courage of speaking out for justice, especially for those who are marginalized. Is there an issue or group you feel called to support, but have hesitated to speak up for? What holds you back, and what support would help you take a step?
5. Sometimes, we are the ones who need support and can’t speak out. Is there a burden you’re carrying right now that you need help with? How can this group or the church come alongside you?
6. The story of the bent-over woman is also about standing tall together. In times of change or uncertainty (like our church’s current transition), what helps you trust others and move forward together? How can we listen more deeply to each other’s voices?
7. The sermon mentioned an “accessibility audit” and the importance of noticing barriers we might not see. What is one practical thing you could do this month to learn about or remove a barrier for someone else—whether physical, emotional, or social?