More Miracles and More Parables
Luke 13 is filled with many important teachings and events, such as:
- Repent or perish
- The parable of the barren fig tree
- The spirit of infirmity
- The parable of the mustard seed
- The parable of the leaven
- The narrow way
- Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem
Encouraging Verse: Luke 13:13
AMPC: “Then He laid [His] hands on her, and instantly she was made straight, and she recognized and thanked and praised God.”
NIV: “Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”
The Context
In the opening of the chapter, Jesus calls people to repentance, responding to some who questioned the fate of the Galileans killed by Pilate. He also references a tragic event where 18 people were killed by a falling tower, emphasizing that repentance is necessary for everyone, regardless of whether one is considered a greater sinner. He illustrates the concept of second chances with the parable of the barren fig tree, given another chance to bear fruit after three years of barrenness.
Then, on the Sabbath, Jesus sees a woman bent over and unable to straighten herself for 18 years. This woman had a ‘spirit of infirmity,’ and Jesus healed her, which leads us to Luke 13:13.
My Thoughts
“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity!” This single sentence reversed 18 years of suffering for this woman. Jesus laid His hands on her, and instantly, she was healed. But this wasn’t just a physical healing; it was also deliverance. The Bible tells us that she had a spirit of infirmity. The Amplified Bible clarifies that this infirmity was caused by a spirit (a demon of sickness). This shows us that some sicknesses have a demonic origin. While this specific case is the only time the Bible mentions the “spirit of infirmity,” there are other instances where sicknesses are attributed to Satan’s influence, such as:
- Job 2:7: “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.”
- Matthew 8:16: “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
- Mark 9:25: “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’”
- 2 Corinthians 12:7: “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.”
The wonderful truth is that Jesus is the answer! He healed all kinds of diseases, even those that came from Satan and has the authority to send them back from where they came.
The second encouraging point is that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been sick or suffering, one word from God can dissolve it, instantly if He chooses. Here are some examples:
- The Woman with the Spirit of Infirmity – Bent over, unable to straighten for 18 years (Luke 13:11-16)
- The Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda – Paralysis for 38 years (John 5:5-9)
- The Bleeding Woman – Hemorrhaging (issue of blood) for 12 years (Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48)
Even if you were born with an illness, Jesus can still heal it. Consider these cases:
- The Man Born Blind – Blindness from birth (John 9:1-7)
- The Crippled Beggar – Lame from birth (Acts 3:1-10)
A third important aspect of this healing deliverance is the woman’s identity. When the synagogue ruler criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus responded, “And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:16).
This woman, part of God’s chosen people, had suffered under demonic oppression for 18 years. But through Jesus, she was freed. This speaks to us today, as we are grafted into Abraham’s family through Jesus (Galatians 3:29):
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
This shows that as children of God, we are entitled to His healing and deliverance. Also, some sicknesses among believers may have a demonic origin, but Jesus is still the answer.
In Isaiah 53, we see the prophecy of Jesus’ suffering and His role in bearing our infirmities. The Hebrew word often translated as “infirmity” is châsrôn, meaning sickness, weakness, or deficiency. It refers to both physical and moral deficiencies. The AMPC version beautifully states:
“Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment]…”
The last amazing aspect of this verse, did you notice the word “immediately”? it did not take, weeks, days, or even hours, Jesus spoke, laid hands she was healed! This is one of several texts that speak of IMMEDIATE healings and deliverances. read the book of Mark, you will see this word often! We too can be recipients of immediate miracles. Praise Jesus!
This is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ healing virtue is still available to us today, no matter how long we have been sick or where the sickness comes from.
Practical Application
- Believe in God’s Word and His promises of healing!
- Have faith that Jesus’ healing power is available to anyone who believes and releases faith.
- Trust that God is no respecter of persons; healing is available to all of His children.
- Live a life of repentance, holiness, and avoid opening doors to the demonic through sin or wrong influences.
- Stay filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit, especially in these latter days!
- Never give up! No matter how long your illness or oppression, Jesus is able to heal and deliver you.
Your Turn 😊
What are your thoughts on Luke 13:13?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?
Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!
Until tomorrow,
Peace & Love,
Coach D
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