08/19/2026
When Jesus Saw Her: Arise and Shine Devotional
“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.”
Luke 13:12 (ESV)
Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!
When Jesus saw her…
The words drew me in. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath when He looked up and caught sight of a woman bent over, disabled, broken. He didn't look away in disgust, the way so many had likely treated her for the past eighteen years. He saw her. He called her. He restored her. He freed her. He healed her, in front of everyone.
How had I never noticed this story before? I know I've read the book of Luke many times, but somehow the details of this woman's dramatic healing hadn't struck a chord with my heart… until now.
Through Arise Women's Ministry, I've witnessed what it looks like when a woman feels seen by Jesus. When He calls her. When He brings restoration and freedom to her heart. When her life is transformed by the power of His Word.
Through my own husband's healing, I've witnessed what it looks like when Jesus sees the one in the wheelchair, when He brings physical restoration to a broken body. I'm still in awe of the testimony God has written in my husband's life as a walking miracle.
The Jesus we read about in the Gospels is the same Jesus at work in our lives today. After healing this crippled woman, He stood up to the synagogue leader and declared, in front of everyone in the room, that she was a daughter of Abraham. She had value. She had belonging. She had a place in His family.
Throughout this story, we never hear a specific word from the woman. She didn't approach Jesus asking for healing. She was simply there, present and listening, ready to receive the healing He so graciously gave. She was in the room, taking in His words, and when Jesus restored her body, she stood up straight, praising God!
Close your eyes and imagine being in that crowded room, listening to Jesus teach. Picture Him looking right at you, with tenderness in His eyes, as He calls your name. Will you come to Him, dear one? Will you respond to His prompting?
He sees you, daughter… and He's ready to bring restoration and freedom to your heart today.
