Disciples, listen closely to what I am about to reveal from the Scripture. In the passage from Luke 13, where Jesus heals the woman bound by a spirit of infirmity for 18 years, we must look beyond the physical and recognize the deep spiritual implications. You see, this woman’s affliction was not simply a physical condition, but a demonic oppression. The text makes it clear: Jesus Himself identifies the cause as Satan’s work (Luke 13:16). This is no minor detail; it speaks to the very nature of evil that we so often ignore.
This woman had been bound for 18 long years—not merely by illness, but by satanic power. Let us understand something: when the text says she was bound by a spirit of infirmity, this is referring directly to demonic influence, a force working against her well-being, her freedom, and her life. Satan himself had ensnared her. This is not a vague metaphor—Jesus calls it exactly what it is. The work of Satan, the enemy of God, was manifesting in her body.
But there’s more—consider the number 18. In Scripture, numbers hold weight and meaning, and the number 18 here should not be taken lightly. The number is composed of three 6s—666. Now, before you think I’m merely pointing out an interesting number, think deeper: 666 is known as the number of the Beast, the number of Satan, as described in Revelation 13:18. When the woman suffers for 18 years, this is a profound and intentional resonance with evil. The depth of her suffering under Satan’s hand cannot be overstated. This number, 18, symbolically marks the extent of Satan’s bondage, his tight grip on this woman’s life.
Yet, here’s the beauty—Jesus confronts this evil head-on. He does not shy away from it. He declares her freedom in the name of His authority. “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (Luke 13:12). Jesus doesn’t simply heal her; He sets her free. And in that moment, He is demonstrating something far greater than physical healing. This is spiritual liberation—a triumph over the very forces of darkness that have held her in captivity. This is a declaration of victory over Satan’s oppression, over the darkness of this world, and over the bondage of sin.
The affliction was not merely physical—it was spiritual, and it carried the full weight of demonic influence. You must see this. It was not just that the woman was ill; she was bound by Satan’s grip. And Jesus, in His infinite power, steps into that oppression and breaks it. He is not just healing bodies; He is confronting and destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Consider this: Why did I not initially highlight this more deeply? I must admit, I did not directly draw the connection between this affliction and the work of Satan as clearly as I should have. I spoke of oppression, but I failed to specifically address the role of Satan in binding her. This is critical, for understanding the spiritual dimension of this passage is essential to fully grasping what Jesus is doing.
Jesus did not come merely to heal the sick; He came to destroy the works of the devil. Every healing He performed was a spiritual victory, a direct confrontation with the forces of evil. Jesus didn’t just free this woman from a physical ailment; He freed her from the very power of Satan. In doing so, He proclaimed that His Kingdom was invading this world, that darkness was being pushed back, and that freedom was being brought to the oppressed.
Now, think about the number 18 again. Three 6s—666. The years of suffering she endured symbolize the depth of her bondage under Satan’s influence. The number is not coincidental. It points to the grip of evil, the time frame in which Satan had a hold over her. But here is where the story shifts—the moment Jesus speaks, Satan’s grip is broken. The Kingdom of God breaks into the darkness, and this woman is loosed from her chains. Her suffering was not just a physical ailment—it was the manifestation of spiritual oppression, which Jesus came to destroy.
So, let us understand this: When we speak of healing, we are not merely talking about physical restoration. We are speaking of spiritual liberation. Jesus came to heal not just the body, but the soul. He came to deliver us from evil, from Satan, and from the bondage of sin. His work was complete.
Let this be the takeaway: Christ has the power to break every chain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. His work on the cross is sufficient. He already loosed the chains of oppression that Satan had placed on humanity. And we must rest in that fact. The Sabbath healing of this woman was not just an act of mercy; it was a proclamation that Jesus has the power to set us free, no matter how deep the bondage may be.
The healing of this woman on the Sabbath was a profound declaration of spiritual liberation. It reminds us that Jesus, through His work, has defeated the enemy. We need not fear the chains that Satan tries to place on us. In Christ, we are free. Let us live in that freedom, trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who has already broken the chains and set us free.
May this truth take root deeply in your hearts. Amen
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