Preached at the Sabbath services in Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church in Co. Monaghan by Rev. Ivan Foster (Rtd).

Scripture: And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God, Luke 13:12-13.

The account of the delivering of this woman from bondage, appears only in the gospel of Luke. It is likely that because he was a doctor, he had an interest in the case of this woman. Inspiration worked through the writer and did not set aside the character or the personality of the man.

It is to be noted that it was the Saviour Who took the initiative, verse 12. How many others took any heed of her need or felt for her suffering and plight?

I. THE CONDITION THE WOMAN WAS IN.

"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself, Luke 13:11.

1. Bound by Satan. He is not the author of sickness as some may believe. Rather, he will, if permitted, inflict it upon men.

2. She had been in that state for 18 years. The affliction of some has been permitted to last a long time.

3. She is in God's housedespite her affliction. She could not see Christ. She could not lift herself up to see anyone. But she had not forsaken the means of grace. Oh! for more of David's spirit. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD, Psalm 122:1. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! Psalm 84:1.

II. THE CALL THE WOMAN HEARD.

1. It started when Christ saw her. Truly, the Lord has come to seek and save that which is lost. He has eyes for them only.

2. Then the Saviour spoke to her. It says He called - He summoned her. He spoke words of liberty, verse 12.

3. Then the Saviour touched her. He took hold of her. That is what is need in your life--the Lord to lay hold upon you.

III. THE CHANGE THE WOMAN ENJOYED.

1. She was straightened. She was made straight. She did not straighten herself!

2. It happened immediately. Instantly she stood upright.

3. She then spoke. She knew Who had healed her. And immediately she was made straight, and glorified God, Luke 13:13.

IV. THE CONTROVERSY THE WOMAN PROVOKED.

1. The indignant ruler. Verse 14. The word indignation, suggests great rage. Why should a the healing of a woman cause such anger? And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13:17. The praise was of God and the anger was of the devil.

2. The cover used for the anger. Keeping of God's law, verse 14. But they were merely putting on an act. That is what hypocrite means = someone pretending to be what they are not.

3. The Saviour's wise and wonderful answer. An act of mercy or necessity is no breach of the Law of God.

4. The enemy silenced. Praise God, the Saviour can set sinners free and save them and silence His enemies, verse 17.

5. The controversy did not detract from the Lord's honour. And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13:17. If the enemy was silenced, the people were not. Their mouths were opened.