Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 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. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 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." 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? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?" --Luke 13:10-16

Reporter: Ladies, thank you for being here. As part of our "Where are they now?" series, we're catching up with women involved in healings that captivated the region. I'd like to talk about your unique encounters with Jesus and how those moments have changed your lives. Daughter of Abraham, let's start with you. Tell us about the fateful day in the temple. Do you recall what he was teaching?


Daughter of Abraham: I remember how He was teaching--with such power and authority it made me question if the other teachers knew anything at all. I was captivated by His words and trying to twist my body enough to look at Him, but I couldn't. That's when He saw me and called me forward.


Reporter: Were you fearful?


Daughter of Abraham: Not fearful, but certainly surprised. Being addressed by a man in public was unexpected. And everyone watching me was a little unnerving, but I was never fearful. I was eager to get to Jesus. It took a minute because of my condition, you know.


Reporter: How did the congregation respond?


Daughter of Abraham: Shocked quiet. Then Jesus interrupted the silence with, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." And He put His hand on me.


Reporter: That's when you straightened up?


Daughter of Abraham: Yes, immediately. Jesus was the first person I'd stood face-to-face with in nearly two decades. I began praising God like nobody's business!


Reporter: I heard the synagogue leader did not share your enthusiasm.


Daughter of Abraham: Ha! No. He threw a fit about healing on the Sabbath, but Jesus put him in his place. It was pretty great.


Reporter: Jesus gave you the exclusive moniker "daughter of Abraham." I'd say that's a pretty big deal. How did you feel when He said that?


Daughter of Abraham: Elated. Jubilant. Ecstatic. But there's not an accurate enough word. By calling me daughter of Abraham, He was informing everyone in the synagogue that women have the same spiritual status as men. We are equal in the kingdom. Honestly, it was every bit as remarkable as standing up straight, if not more. 


Reporter: How has your life changed since that day?


Daughter of Abraham: Oh, you know, just in every conceivable way. He chose me. Me. In a single moment. He healed my body and assigned my God-given identity. I still marvel at each word that was said, what He did, and what it all meant.


Reporter: Which is?


Daughter of Abraham: I am chosen and have been set free.






PRAYER FOCUS

Take your vices to God, anything that's got hold of your heart more than it should, and ask God to help free you from it.


MOVING FORWARD

  • What's a name you would want Jesus to give you?
  • If Jesus showed up at your church and called you to Himself, what would He want to set you free from?
  • What are some steps you can start taking to be freed from whatever vice has held you bondage?

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