Luke 13:17

And when he had said these things,.... Had argued with them from their own practices, and in a way so strong and rational, that carried such evidence and conviction with it: all his adversaries were ashamed; not only the ruler of the synagogue, but the Scribes and Pharisees, that were present, who followed him wherever he went, and were his implacable enemies; these were confounded and silenced; shame appeared in their countenances; they could not lift up their heads, and look him in the face.

Adversaries - The ruler of the synagogue, and those who felt as he did. All the people - The persons who attended the synagogue, and who had witnessed the miracle. It is to be remarked: 1. That those who opposed Christ were chiefly the “rulers.” They had an “interest” in doing it. Their popularity was at stake. They were afraid that he would draw off the people from them. 2. The common people heard him gladly. Many of them believed in him.

We see in these verses — a striking example of diligence in the use of means of grace. We are told of a "woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed down, and could not straiten up." We do not know who this woman was. Our Lord's saying that she was "a daughter of Abraham" — would lead us to infer that she was a true believer. But her name and history are hidden from us.

We see in these verses — a striking example of diligence in the use of means of grace. We are told of a "woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed down, and could not straiten up." We do not know who this woman was. Our Lord's saying that she was "a daughter of Abraham" — would lead us to infer that she was a true believer. But her name and history are hidden from us. This alone we know — that when Jesus was "teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath" — this woman was there. Sickness was no excuse with her for staying away from God's house. In spite of suffering and infirmity — she found her way to the place where the day and the Word of God were honored, and where the people of God met together. And truly she was blessed in her deed! She found a rich reward for all her pains. She came sorrowing — and went home rejoicing! The conduct of this suffering Jewess may well put to shame many a strong and healthy professing Christian. How many in the full enjoyment of bodily vigor — allow the most frivolous excuses to keep them away from the house of God! How many are constantly spending the whole Sunday in idleness, pleasure-seeking, or business, and scoffing and sneering at those who "keep the Sabbath holy!" How many think it a great matter if they attend the public worship of God once on Sunday, and regard a second attendance as a needless excess of zeal akin to fanaticism! How many find religious services a weariness while they attend them, and feel relieved when they are over! How few know anything of David's spirit, when he said, "I was glad when they said to me: Let us go into the house of the Lord." "How lovely are your tabernacles, O Lord Almighty!" (Psalm 122:1; Psalm 84:1.) Now what is the explanation of all this? What is the reason why so few are like the woman of whom we read this day?