Luke 13:11
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
For eighteen years the woman had been held by a spirit of infirmity that bowed her together so she could in no way lift herself or straighten up. In compassion Jesus called her to Himself, declared her loosed and freed from her infirmity, and laid His hands upon her to heal her. That touch brought bodily restoration, and she immediately stood straight. Her joy overflowed in praise as she glorified God for her deliverance. The people rejoiced with her at what had been done for her.
Her healing was an act of mercy in full harmony with the sanctification of the Sabbath. It exemplifies Christ's Sabbath work, for every Sabbath He comforted the sick and healed them. The Sabbath was a busy day for this healing work because then He could reach people who were occupied by work during the week. He healed the sick willingly and joyfully, with comfort and love, glad to restore them to health. His field of healing was as extensive as the world itself. Yet the angry expressions of the rabbis at the healing discouraged some who believed from openly acknowledging their faith, since they feared expulsion from the synagogue and valued human approval above God's.