Lesson 80: Burdensome Religion (Luke 13:10-17)

Is it really possible that something God intended to bring life (and lead us to the Giver of life) could be so misused that the One who came to fulfill it all would be hated for the God-honoring good that He accomplished? Those who know anything of the gospel accounts will know that the answer to this is an obvious, “yes.” The Jewish leadership had become so consumed with their interpretation of the letter of the law that they preferred to see a woman suffer from demon oppression than have her healed with a word on the “wrong” day. Jesus challenged them to face the reality of their greater concern for beasts than for a daughter of Abraham. Pastor Daniel encourages us to look at this passage and see how, “False religion enslaves, [but] true religion frees.” The latter was perfectly exemplified by Christ and the former by the ruler of the synagogue. We are encouraged, therefore, to beware of the oppression of false religion and move ever more fully into worship of Jesus Christ.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff