Steven Cole gives us a powerful personal application of the story in Luke 13:10-17. Luke concludes this story by noting that Jesus’ opponents were being humiliated, but the multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him (Lk 13:17). As we saw before, Jesus and His teaching draw a line that divides. This miracle isn’t recorded here so that we can come to church, sit and say, “That’s interesting,” and go home the same way we were. It’s here to make us ask ourselves, “Which side am I on? Am I just going through the motions of dead religion, or do I have reality with the living Lord Jesus Christ?” Think through these seven contrasts:
(1) Dead religion is marked by bondage to Satan, but reality with the Lord frees people from long-term problems.
(2) Dead religion is impotent for lasting change, but reality with the Lord is powerful.
(3) Dead religion lacks compassion for hurting people, but reality with the Lord results in compassion.
(4) Dead religion is joyless and angry, but reality with the Lord is full of joy.
(5) Dead religion is hypocritical, but reality with the Lord is truthful and genuine.
(6) Dead religion promotes the wrong priorities, but reality with the Lord keeps the right priorities.
(7) Dead religion brings glory to men, but reality with the Lord brings glory to Him.