Faithful Healing: The Power of Showing Up

Bible Reading

Luke 13:10-17 (ESV) — 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 13:10-17, where did the woman receive her healing, and what does this setting tell us about the importance of community in her story? ([01:21:37])
2. How does Luke, who was a physician, describe the woman’s condition? Does he give it a specific name or diagnosis? ([01:28:35])
3. What title does Jesus use to address the woman, and why is this significant in the context of her society? ([01:41:12])
4. What was the first thing the woman did after she was healed? ([01:42:58])

Interpretation Questions

1. The woman came to the synagogue even though she was suffering and likely felt excluded. What does her decision to show up say about faith and perseverance? ([01:25:05])
2. The sermon points out that Luke does not name the woman’s condition, and that sometimes our struggles are hard to define. Why might it be important that Jesus doesn’t need a diagnosis to bring healing? ([01:37:41])
3. Jesus calls the woman “daughter of Abraham” before healing her. What does this reveal about how God sees us, especially when others may only see our problems or labels? ([01:41:12])
4. The woman’s healing was immediate, but her suffering lasted eighteen years. What does this story teach about God’s timing and faithfulness, even when answers are delayed? ([01:49:19])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Sometimes the greatest miracle is simply showing up, even when hope feels distant.” Is there an area in your life where you need to keep showing up, even though you feel discouraged or burdened? What would it look like for you to take that step this week? ([01:25:05])
2. The pastor talked about how spiritual, emotional, and mental struggles can show up in our bodies. Are there ways you’ve noticed stress or pain affecting your health? What practical steps could you take—like seeking support, therapy, or healthy habits—to care for your whole self? ([01:31:23])
3. Jesus affirmed the woman’s identity before healing her. Are there labels or past experiences that you’ve let define you? How can you remind yourself this week that your true identity is as a beloved child of God? ([01:41:12])
4. The woman’s first response after being healed was to praise God. When was the last time you praised God in the middle of a hard season? What helps you to lift your eyes to Jesus when life has you “bent low”? ([01:42:58])
5. The sermon encourages us to keep trusting God’s faithfulness, even when we don’t understand the delay. Is there something you’ve been waiting on God for? How can you practice trust and hope in the waiting? ([01:49:19])
6. The pastor shared that seeking help—through therapy, community, or healthy practices—is not a lack of faith but an act of stewardship. Is there a step you need to take to reach out for help or support? What’s holding you back? ([01:31:23])
7. The story reminds us that our presence in community matters, even when we feel broken. How can you encourage someone else this week who might be struggling to “show up”? ([01:25:05])