Luke 13:10-17  Luke tells the story of a woman who had suffered for 18 years.. she had " a sickness caused by a spirit and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all."  Still, she came to the synagogue on the Sabbath.  When Jesus saw her He called her over and said, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." 

With a touch, Jesus healed her and she was able to stand up straight.  She "immediately... began glorifying God."  

The official in the synagogue was not pleased.  Healing on the sabbath?  That was "work".  It should be done on any other day of the week in his opinion. He had no compassion.  He had no praise for God.  He only had criticism for Jesus. 

Jesus answered this man and the others with him... "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him?"   They had compassion and care for an animal, but not for a "daughter of Abraham" .. a woman who had suffered for so long.. Did she not deserve the same care? How hard their hearts were!

The synagogue leaders were "humiliated". But the crowd rejoiced. 

The lesson is important. Hypocrisy is deadly.  The religious leaders acted as if they were so good.. so much better than anyone else.. yet their hearts were dark and they had no love or compassion.  They missed the whole message that Jesus taught.. that love.. for God and for people is what pleases God and brings Life.  

We must examine our own hearts often.. and ask God to fill us with His Spirit and to overflow our lives with His Love so that we will not follow the paths of these unbelievers, but see God at work and give Him praise! 

A woman bent over for 18 years praised God when Jesus touched her.  When we are burdened by sin and are freed by the the power of Jesus' name.. we also praise Him and give glory to God.  Let us not miss the message He sends.. let us love like He loves.  Help us Father, to surrender all to You.  Fill our hearts with Your great love and compassion we pray. Amen.