Pastor Suzette Caldwell
Luke 13:9–18
Pastor Suzette began by sharing lessons her mother taught her—how to use a knife and fork, say “please” and “thank you,” give a firm handshake, sit at the front of the class and in church, and one lesson she never forgot: stand up straight. Posture says something about us. When you stand tall, you reflect confidence, dignity, and self-respect. But when you’re slouched over, the message is very different.
In Luke 13, we meet a woman crippled by an evil spirit for eighteen years—so bent over that she could not stand up straight. In her time, many assumed her condition was caused by sin, but Scripture doesn’t tell us what impact this had on her mind or emotions. What we do know is that even in her condition, she still went to church.
In those days, women were undervalued and often defined only by the men in their lives. This woman had likely grown weak in her muscles and could not raise herself up even if she tried. But then, Jesus showed up. She was in the right place at the right time. She didn’t let her posture or her pain keep her from the house of God—she positioned herself where Jesus could find her.
And He did. Jesus noticed her, even though she was in the back. He called her forward. She walked toward Him. He looked at her. He spoke to her. He touched her. In a culture where a man would not normally call or touch a woman outside of marriage, Jesus broke the barrier—because His mission was to meet needs.
Jesus said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Immediately, she stood up straight and began to praise God.
This encounter shows us that when Jesus touches your life, nothing is too hard for Him to restore. That woman’s posture changed in an instant—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally.
Maybe life has left you bent down. Maybe you feel at the end of your strength—emotionally, mentally, or spiritually—even while serving, giving, and showing up faithfully. Today, know this: Jesus is still in the house, and He’s calling your name.
🙌 Don’t miss the full message of this powerful sermon.
