Loosed from the Spirit of Infirmity
The Power of Deliverance
Luke 13:11-14 reveals a profound story of physical and spiritual bondage and Jesus’ power to liberate. Here, we encounter a woman crippled by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen long years. Despite her condition, she faithfully attended the synagogue. When Jesus saw her, He called her and declared:
“Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (Luke 13:12).
This narrative provides a rich tapestry of spiritual truths about deliverance, healing, and the authority of Jesus’ Word. Let us dive into its layers, understanding how Jesus not only breaks physical and spiritual bondage but also restores identity and purpose.
1. Physical Possession: The Spirit of Infirmity
a. The Nature of the Spirit of Infirmity
The woman in Luke 13 was physically bound by a spirit of infirmity. This spirit affected her body so severely that she was bent over, unable to straighten herself. Her condition was not merely a physical ailment but a manifestation of demonic oppression.
This condition reflects how the enemy operates: he seeks to enslave and distort God’s creation. John 10:10 states:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
b. Eighteen Years of Bondage
Eighteen years is a long time to endure suffering, yet this woman remained in the synagogue, a place of worship. Her persistence in seeking God despite her pain is a testament to her faith. Like Job, who declared in Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him,” this woman did not give up on God.
c. The Power of Jesus’ Word
When Jesus declared, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity,” He used the Greek word apolyō, meaning “to divorce” or “legally disassociate.” This signifies that Jesus’ Word has the authority to sever any legal claim the enemy has over a person’s life.
Consider Matthew 19:9, where apolyō is used regarding divorce:
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife…”
Just as divorce legally dissolves a marriage, Jesus’ declaration legally broke the spiritual tie binding the woman to her infirmity. This teaches us that when Jesus speaks, His Word overrides every legal right the enemy has claimed.
d. Immediate Healing: A Sign of His Power
After speaking, Jesus laid His hands on her, and “immediately she was made straight and glorified God” (Luke 13:13). This physical healing illustrates the completeness of His deliverance.
2. Spiritual Possession: The Bent Leader
a. The Indignation of the Synagogue Leader
While the woman’s physical bondage was evident, the leader of the synagogue exhibited a different kind of bondage: spiritual blindness and pride. When Jesus healed her, the leader indignantly objected, saying:
“There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day” (Luke 13:14).
This response highlights his spiritual “bentness.” His legalistic mindset prevented him from recognizing the miraculous work of God in their midst.
b. The Spiritual Bondage of Legalism
Legalism bends a person’s spiritual perspective, making them unable to see the grace and power of God. Jesus addressed this type of bondage in Matthew 23:27:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
The synagogue leader’s fixation on rules blinded him to the greater work of God. He was spiritually crippled, unable to lift his eyes to see the truth of heaven.
3. The Dual Nature of Bondage
a. Physical and Spiritual Bentness
The woman was physically bent, but the synagogue leader was spiritually bent. Both needed healing and deliverance. This dual nature of bondage reflects the comprehensive work of Jesus. He not only heals our bodies but also restores our souls. Psalm 103:2-3 declares:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
b. The Enemy’s Legal Claims
The enemy often operates through legal rights—claims made through sin, generational curses, or ungodly agreements. However, Colossians 2:14 assures us that Jesus canceled these claims:
“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
When Jesus spoke to the woman, He annulled the enemy’s legal right to afflict her.
4. Lessons from the Woman’s Deliverance
a. Faithfulness in Affliction
Despite her suffering, the woman faithfully attended the synagogue. Her persistence positioned her for a divine encounter. Galatians 6:9 encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Faithfulness in worship, even in the midst of pain, is a key to experiencing God’s deliverance.
b. The Authority of Jesus’ Word
Jesus’ Word is powerful and effective. Isaiah 55:11 affirms:
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
When Jesus speaks, His Word breaks every chain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
c. Glorifying God in Deliverance
The woman’s immediate response to her healing was to glorify God. Her testimony reminds us that deliverance should lead to worship and thanksgiving. Psalm 107:2 declares:
“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.”
5. Application: How to Receive Deliverance and Restoration
a. Identify Areas of Bondage
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where you may be physically or spiritually “bent.” Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to search our hearts:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
b. Stand on God’s Word
The Word of God is a weapon against the enemy. Ephesians 6:17 calls it “the sword of the Spirit.” Declare His promises over your life to break any legal claim the enemy may have.
c. Seek God’s Presence
Deliverance often comes through encountering God’s presence. James 4:8 encourages:
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Spend time in prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.
d. Walk in Faith and Obedience
Faith activates God’s power in our lives. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us:
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Walk in obedience, trusting that God will bring complete restoration.
A Call to Be Loosed
Just as Jesus loosed the woman from her physical infirmity and confronted the spiritual bondage of the synagogue leader, He desires to bring freedom to every area of our lives. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, His power is sufficient to break every chain.
Today, let us hear His words afresh:
“Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (Luke 13:12).