He Became Indignant
But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.” Luke 13:14 (NLT)
In this passage, we see a surprising reaction. Jesus had just healed a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years—a miracle that restored her dignity and allowed her to stand upright. Yet instead of celebrating, the synagogue leader grew angry and indignant. This leads us to think about those who, even today, become “indignant” when God “straightens us up”—that is, when we begin to live differently and leave behind what once held us down.
- Living Bent Over Is Living with Limitations.
A person who is bent over cannot walk normally. They may not advance quickly or see life with vision, because they often walk looking downward, unable to see far ahead. - Bondages Keep Us Bent Over.
Just like that woman, many people today cannot see the great dreams God has for their lives. They are “bent over” by addictions, past traumas, insecurities, wounds, bitterness, resentment, or depression. - The Touch of God Straightens Us Up.
But when God touches a life, everything changes! Those of us who once walked crooked and limited become “upright.” It is then that we begin to see clearly everything God has prepared for us. - A Straightened Life Has Purpose.
When we are healed, not only does our spiritual posture change, but we begin to live with renewed purpose, understanding that we are free to fulfill God’s plan. - True Change Produces Reactions.
This change may cause some people to become “indignant,” just like the synagogue leader. They may say things like, “You’re not the same anymore.” And it’s true—we are not. A more accurate statement would be: “You no longer walk bent over or crooked.” - Our Response Should Be Celebration.
Unlike the religious leader, our posture should not be indignation. We must not become upset when we see someone no longer walking bent over; instead, we should always celebrate that God has straightened them up!
The work of God in a person’s life is a reason for praise, not judgment. While some become fixated on rules or tradition, like the synagogue leader, we are called to celebrate the freedom and restoration that only Jesus can give. May our hearts always rejoice when we see someone “stand upright.”
But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.” Luke 13:14 (NLT)
Think About It:
- In what areas of your life do you feel you still walk “bent over”?
- Have you experienced others’ “indignation” when God began to straighten your life? How did you respond?
- How can you actively practice celebrating the restoration and change in the lives of others, instead of criticizing?