Jesus called her in some way that communicated to her that He was the greatest authority in that room.
Jesus called her in some way that communicated that He could take care of the leaders who would object.
Jesus called her in some way that communicated that close proximity to him was the safest location in the world.
Jesus called her in some way that communicated that if she obeyed, good things would happen.

There is so much more to the story……

Luke 13: 10-17

Verse 12              And when Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.”

He called her over………

The synagogue arrangement was such that the woman who was bent over double because of an 18 year sickness caused by Satan, found herself with the other women at the worship service.  The women were required to be behind a lattice work wall, separate form the men who would have been in closer proximity to Jesus who was seated on the raised platform near the middle of the room.

The fact that He saw her at all is of great interest and it is clear that in seeing her Jesus also knew every thing about her and the illness that bound her making the ground her most familiar view.

From His place on the raised platform where He was sitting, He called her over.  What exact words did He use to call her?  Did Jesus use her given name?  Did He single her out by identifying her infirmity?  We are not told, but think of what was required for her to respond to his first notice of her.

She had to move away from her familiar place with the other women and proceed through a group of men.  Some of them were very powerful, important men in that town who were used to making the rules and running the show.  In stepping out of her place, she was responding to the voice of an authority greater than theirs and later we will see that those leaders were not pleased with that action.

What was it in His tone of voice that gave her the courage to ignore the rules and respond to His directive?  We know that so little is communicated by words and so much is communicated by the speakers tone of voice and attitude.

• Jesus called her in some way that communicated to her that He was the greatest authority in that room.
• Jesus called her in some way that communicated that He could take care of the leaders who would object.
• Jesus called her in some way that communicated that close proximity to him was the safest location in the world.
• Jesus called her in some way that communicated that if she obeyed, good things would happen.

She was in the place of worship and its reasonable to surmise that she was hoping that Jesus would heal her as she must have heard that He had healed others in the region.  However, it’s of great interest that Jesus takes the initiative and speaks to her.  He saw her and He called her.

Her attitude was one of quiet desire, perhaps fervent personal prayer.  I am reminded of the words to an old song I heard recently.

Pass me not, O gentle Savior
Hear my humble cry
While on other Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

Savior, Savior hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

Dear Lord,  I place myself among those who know and love You where together we worship You, exulting Your name.  You see me Lord and you know me completely.  Call me to a closeness with You that will bring further praise to Your name Lord.  Show Yourself mighty in my weakness I pray.  Amen