Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Compassion of God Luke 13:10-21

Jesus’ Compassion Luke 13:10-13 Jesus goes to a synagogue on the Sabbath and is asked to teach As He is teaching, Jesus notices a woman who is bent over double and cannot straighten up Her condition was caused by a spirit - and spirits can still be the cause of physical maladies

Jesus’ Compassion Luke 13:10-13 This woman was committed to attending the synagogue and overcame the obstacles that made that difficult Her example is a challenge to Christians who skip church with little valid reason

Jesus’ Compassion Luke 13:10-13 Jesus initiated and carried out the healing without her seeking it - an act of compassion God is compassionate - Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 103:1-14; Psalm 72:13

Jesus’ Compassion Luke 13:10-13 Jesus frees her from her sickness / bondage - which included the demon and being crippled Praising God for His mercy and grace should be expected, but people often fail to do so - Luke 17; Ps 78:11

Jesus’ Compassion Luke 13:10-13 People make desperate prayers and promises when in a serious crises, but forget them when it is over The woman is glorifying God because she recognized the miracle could only have come from God

The Synagogue Official’s Blindness Luke 13:14 The synagogue official / ruler directed its affairs including picking the teacher and he is indignant Whether he was upset by Jesus’ teaching is not known, but he is angry Jesus healed the woman on a Sabbath

The Synagogue Official’s Blindness Luke 13:14 The Pharisees believed that improving a person’s medical condition was work and violated the Sabbath The synagogue ruler makes a strange statement to the congregation instead of talking to Jesus

The Synagogue Official’s Blindness Luke 13:14 He implies it was the woman’s fault that Jesus healed her He commands the people not repeat the woman’s supposed failure He assumes people could come get healed anytime He ignores the actual miracle

The Synagogue Official’s Blindness Luke 13:14 The synagogue ruler was blind to the miracle that took place being only concerned about his own traditions People are still spiritually blinded by valuing their own traditions over the clear teaching of the Scriptures

Jesus Rebukes Them Luke 13:15-17 Jesus rebukes them for being hypocrites - those that concealed evil hearts under a veneer of piety They were hypocrites for having more compassion for animals than people

Jesus Rebukes Them Luke 13:15-17 This woman was a daughter of Abraham physically and spiritually as demonstrated by her actions The Sabbath, a day of rest, was a perfect day to heal this woman and give her rest from her bondage

Jesus Rebukes Them Luke 13:15-17 The hypocrites were exposed and humiliated. The humble repent and the proud become more defiant The people rejoiced over what Jesus did and said for they were glorious

The Parable of the Mustard Plant Luke 13:18-19 The mustard has a small seed that grows into a large plant in which the birds can nest The people commonly expected the kingdom of God to come boldly and rapidly establish its authority

The Parable of the Mustard Plant Luke 13:18-19 Jesus started with a small following that grew over time to “turn the world upside down” The Church, the current manifestation of the kingdom of God, is a blessing to both believers and unbelievers

The Parable of the Mustard Plant Luke 13:18-19 The parable encourages us that the kingdom of God will prevail despite opposition from Satan & sinful men

The Parable of the Leaven Luke 13:20-21 The parable of the leaven emphasizes the spread of the influence of God’s kingdom Leaven, yeast, steadily permeates dough to influence it and change its character - bread instead of matzoh

The Parable of the Leaven Luke 13:20-21 True Biblical Christianity spreads best by its influence. Forced Christianity is false and becomes perverted When the church loses its focus on the gospel and God’s kingdom, it declines and so does the nation

The Parable of the Leaven Luke 13:20-21 When believers are faithful in walking with God, they are personally changed and that nation with them Be encouraged for God uses believers to change things even without them being in the seats of power

Conclusion The expansion of God’s kingdom displays His compassion in saving sinners and blessing all through it

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ