Adventures of Libby, Gigi, and Jesus: Luke 13:10-17 “Bent Over No More!”

Luke 13:10-17

“Bent Over No More!” 

Today’s Adventure

Libby skipped along the dusty road, her blond hair bouncing in the sunshine. Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement. Right beside her trotted Gigi, the happy 3-year-old black-and-white English bulldog, wagging her whole body and sniffing every interesting smell.

They were on another adventure with Jesus! Today they followed Him into a synagogue on the Sabbath day. The room was full of people quietly listening to the teacher. In the back, Libby noticed a woman who looked very sad and tired. She was bent over almost double, unable to stand up straight. She had been like that for eighteen whole years!

“Jesus, why is she hurting like that?” Libby whispered, holding Gigi’s leash a little tighter.

Jesus looked at the woman with great love. He called out gently, “Woman, you are set free from your sickness!”

He placed His hands on her, and right away she stood up tall and straight! She praised God with a loud, joyful voice. Gigi gave a happy “woof!” and Libby clapped her hands.

But not everyone was happy. The leader of the synagogue was angry. “There are six days for work!” he scolded. “Come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath!”

Jesus turned to him and said firmly, “You hypocrites! You untie your ox or donkey on the Sabbath so it can have water. Shouldn’t this woman—who is a daughter of Abraham and has been bound by Satan for eighteen years—be set free on the Sabbath day?”

The people who opposed Jesus were embarrassed, but everyone else was thrilled by the wonderful things He was doing.

What Jesus Wants Libby, Gigi, and You to Know

After they left the synagogue, Jesus sat down under a shady tree with Libby and Gigi. Gigi rested her big bulldog head on Jesus’ lap while He explained the story.

“Libby, the religious leaders had made lots of strict rules about the Sabbath. They forgot the heart of the Sabbath—resting in God’s love and showing kindness to others. That woman had suffered for so long! My Father’s heart is full of compassion. Rules should never stop us from showing love and helping people in need.”

Libby thought for a moment. “So even on a special day, it’s okay to help someone?”

“Yes,” Jesus smiled. “Especially on a special day! God made the Sabbath for people, not people for the Sabbath. Love and mercy are always the right choice.”

Gigi rolled over for belly rubs, and Jesus laughed. “Even Gigi knows a kind touch feels good any day of the week!”

Talk About It (For You and Your Family)

1. How do you think the woman felt when Jesus healed her after 18 years?

2. Why were the leaders upset? What did they forget about God’s heart?

3. When have you seen someone who needed help? How can you show kindness like Jesus, even when it’s not the “perfect” time?

Family Activity Idea: Act out the story together! One person can be the bent-over woman, another Jesus, and someone can be the grumpy leader. Have Gigi (or a stuffed animal) watch and cheer. Then talk about ways your family can show mercy this week.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, Thank You for caring so much about people who are hurting. Help us to see others with Your eyes of love. Teach us to show kindness and mercy every day, not just when it’s easy or convenient. We want our hearts to be like Yours! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Verse (for Libby to learn): “Shouldn’t this woman… be set free on the Sabbath day?” — Luke 13:16