“When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’” — Luke 13:12 (NIV)

Eighteen years. That’s how long this woman had been bent over, unable to stand tall. Most people probably overlooked her, reduced her to her condition, or dismissed her as an interruption. But not Jesus.

On a Sabbath day, in a synagogue full of worshippers and rule-keepers, Jesus saw her. He called her forward, laid His hands on her, and set her free. The crowd rejoiced, but the religious leaders bristled. To them, healing broke policy; to Jesus, healing fulfilled purpose. The Sabbath—and life with God—is never about rules that hinder restoration. It’s about freedom, dignity, and wholeness.

This story reminds us: God notices the overlooked, touches the broken, and restores what life has bent low. And when He lifts us up, our worship becomes louder than our critics and our gratitude stronger than our fear.

“When Jesus lifts you, no rule, critic, or chain can hold you down.”

Consider blind Bartimaeus on the roadside (Mark 10:46–52). People told him to be quiet, but his persistent cry reached Jesus. He called Bartimaeus forward and restored his sight. Like the bent-over woman, Bartimaeus discovered that when Jesus notices you, transformation follows. He sees what others overlook and responds with grace and power.

Where in your life do you feel “bent over” by burdens, limitations, or unseen struggles? How might Jesus be calling you to stand tall in His freedom today?

1. Jesus sees people, not just their problems.
2. God’s healing brings joy, even when it offends tradition or expectation.
3. Life with God is about restoration, freedom, and purpose—not rules and limitations.
4. Persistent faith and courage attract the attention and power of God.

This week, bring your “bent-over” places to Jesus in prayer. Name them honestly—fear, shame, exhaustion, disappointment, or unfulfilled dreams. Ask Him to speak His freeing word over you. Then, when He lifts you up, let your gratitude flow into worship, and allow your testimony to inspire others.

Lord, thank You that You see me even when no one else does. Where I feel bent low, lift me by Your power. Break every chain of fear, shame, or weariness, and help me stand tall in Your freedom. Let my life reflect joy, gratitude, and courage that no critic or rule can suppress. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The bent-over woman’s story is not just history—it is our story, too. Jesus sees. Jesus calls. Jesus frees. And when He lifts us up, our lives become living proof that no rulebook, critic, or limitation can hold down the power and grace of God.