Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we will explore a passage from Luke that beautifully encapsulates three profound truths: the power of a touch, the challenge of the sabbath, and the freedom of forgiveness.

As Philip Yancey once said, "Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part." Grace and forgiveness are intrinsically linked, and we're going to explore that connection today.

Let's dive into the full Scripture passage, Luke 13:10-13,

"On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, 'Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.' Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God."

As we take a moment to pause and reflect, let's open our hearts in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word, the light unto our path. We ask you to open our hearts and minds, to receive your truths today. May we understand the power of your touch, the challenge of honoring the Sabbath, and the liberating power of forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Power of a Touch

When Jesus saw the woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, He did not simply speak healing over her from a distance. He called her forward and put His hands on her. This act of touching was not just a physical act; it was a deeply spiritual one that communicated love, compassion, and healing power.

The culture of Jesus' time: Touching someone who was considered unclean or diseased was taboo. Yet, Jesus consistently broke these societal norms to extend His healing touch to those who were suffering. He touched lepers, the blind, and, as we see in this passage, a woman crippled by a spirit. His touch was not just a means of physical healing, but also a way to restore dignity and worth to those who had been marginalized and ostracized by society.

Our own lives: The power of a touch can be transformative. A comforting hand on a shoulder can communicate empathy and understanding. A hug can express love and acceptance. A handshake can seal a deal or a promise. But beyond these physical expressions, there is a spiritual dimension to touch that we often overlook. When we reach out to others in love, compassion, and service, we are, in a sense, extending the touch of Jesus. We are His hands and feet in the world, called to touch others with His love and healing power.

Extends to our personal relationship with Jesus: Just as the woman in the passage experienced physical and spiritual healing through Jesus' touch, we too can experience healing, restoration, and transformation when we come into contact with Jesus. This doesn't necessarily mean physical touch, but rather, opening our hearts and lives to His presence and allowing Him to touch us deeply within.

How was can experience this: In our prayers, worship, and reading of the Scriptures, we invite Jesus to touch our lives. We ask Him to heal our wounds, to transform our hearts, and to shape us into His likeness. And just as the woman straightened up and praised God after being touched by Jesus, we too are called to respond to His touch with praise and thanksgiving.

Not just about physical contact: It's about connection, empathy, healing, and transformation. It's about breaking down barriers and reaching out in love. It's about allowing ourselves to be touched by Jesus and to touch others with His love.

The Challenge of the Sabbath

The Sabbath, as we know, is a day of rest that God ordained in the Ten Commandments ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO