Our attitude towards healing (Part 2)

5 March 2021
Oliver
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Luke 13:14-17
¹⁴But 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.” ¹⁵Then 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? ¹⁶And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” ¹⁷As 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.

Yesterday’s passage left us desiring an attitude of praise regarding our own healing. In contrast, today, as we read this second part that immediately follows the healing of the woman, our attention is turned quickly towards the very polar opposite reaction from the synagogue ruler: the healed woman praised, the synagogue ruler was indignant. How can someone be so upset at the sight of someone healed? Who is the synagogue ruler mad at? Is it so outrageous that Jesus had seemingly violated the Sabbath, doing work contrary to the fourth commandment? Yet when I hear of a miracle in a friend’s life, which of the two reactions do I naturally have: praise or indignation? Perhaps the latter is too strong and it would be more in the form of disbelief or finding alternative explanations for the healing.

Jesus used some strong words, calling him a hypocrite. After all the man was the synagogue leader and the woman was in his presence, and would have been for many years. Maybe he was jealous that after so many years, as a religious leader, he was not able to intercede sufficiently for her healing. I have to admit that I’ve been guilty of the sort, almost opposing the good that was done because it is not done in my own way or does not sit well with my own views of how Jesus performs miracles.

For those who have come to know Christ, this situation also calls me to reflect whether I have made it too difficult for them or even too legalistic about following him. Jesus’ mission wasn’t only about the physically impaired, but also religious shortcomings. And as a Christ follower, I simply cannot look in indignation at these religious leaders without considering my own potential pitfalls.

Jesus came to heal and to bring us fullness of life that is eternal. Despite knowing this, I feel that in the face of challenges I belittle the power of God to transform, to heal, to restore and to bring revival.

So what should our attitudes be towards someone else’s healing?

Jesus thank you for your numerous encounters with the religious leaders of the time. You came to save them too and their reactions are counterexamples for me as a Christ follower that I am to trust you and surrender everything to you, especially my doubts. We can call upon you every day of the week, every hour of the day, and we can be assured that our proclamation of your victory over death can be carried out at all times. Amen.