Study Guide: Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman On The Sabbath
Meta Description:
Topics:
The Story of the Crippled Woman
The Sabbath Controversy
The Lesson of Compassion vs. Rules
Key Figures and Terms
Summary:
This study guide covers the powerful story of Jesus healing a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years. It focuses on the central conflict that arises when the synagogue leader confronts Jesus for performing a miracle on the Sabbath, a day of rest.
The story highlights the core lesson that compassion and love for people are more important than a rigid, legalistic interpretation of religious rules.
Key Concepts
The Power of Compassion: The story begins with Jesus seeing the woman's suffering and acting out of compassion to free her from her illness. This demonstrates that doing good is always a priority.
The Conflict of the Sabbath: The religious leader's objection was not to the healing itself, but to the day on which it occurred. He believed that healing was a form of "work" and thus a violation of the Sabbath.
Jesus's Counter-Argument: Jesus used a logical comparison to expose the hypocrisy of his accusers. He pointed out that they cared for their animals on the Sabbath, so it was far more fitting to show compassion to a human being.
A Broader Lesson: The story's ultimate teaching is that rules are meant to serve and help people, not to become a burden or an obstacle to showing kindness and mercy.
Vocabulary List
Synagogue: A Jewish building used for worship and religious instruction.
Sabbath: The seventh day of the week on the Hebrew Calendar. It was given by God as a day of rest from work, to worship God with family and other members of the Community.
Daughter of Abraham: A term of high respect used by Jesus to show the woman's dignity and value as a member of her community and faith.
Key Questions
How did the synagogue leader's perspective on the Sabbath differ from Jesus's perspective?
What was the central conflict of this story, and how did Jesus resolve it?
Why did Jesus's argument about the animals so effectively silence his opponents?
What is the significance of the woman's healing being a public event in the synagogue?
How does this story illustrate the difference between following the letter of the law and following the spirit of the law?
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