Biblical Reference:
The account of the woman with a disabling spirit is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 13:10-17. This passage is a significant narrative that highlights Jesus' compassion and authority over spiritual and physical ailments.

Context and Setting:
The event takes place in a synagogue on the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship for the Jewish people. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, which was a common practice for Him during His ministry. The setting underscores the tension between Jesus' miraculous works and the strict Sabbath observance upheld by the religious leaders of the time.

The Encounter:
In Luke 13:11-13 , the narrative describes the woman: "And a woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, 'Woman, you are set free from your disability.' Then He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God."

The woman is described as having been afflicted by a spirit that caused her physical deformity, rendering her unable to stand upright. Her condition had persisted for eighteen years, indicating a long-term suffering that had likely affected her social and religious life.

Jesus' Compassion and Authority:
Jesus' response to the woman is immediate and compassionate. He calls her to Himself, speaks words of liberation, and lays His hands on her, resulting in her instantaneous healing. This act demonstrates Jesus' authority over both spiritual and physical realms, as He identifies the root of her ailment as a spiritual oppression.

The Reaction of the Synagogue Leader:
The healing prompts a reaction from the synagogue leader, who is indignant because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. In Luke 13:14 , the leader says, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days and not on the Sabbath." This response reflects the legalistic mindset that prioritized ritual observance over compassion and mercy.

Jesus' Rebuke and Teaching:
Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by pointing out their willingness to perform necessary tasks for their animals on the Sabbath, yet their reluctance to see a daughter of Abraham set free from bondage. In Luke 13:15-16 , He responds, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?"

Significance:
This account emphasizes the value Jesus places on human life and well-being over strict legalistic interpretations of the law. It highlights His mission to bring freedom and restoration, challenging the prevailing religious norms that often neglected the heart of God's law—love and mercy. The woman's healing serves as a testament to Jesus' messianic authority and His compassion for those oppressed by spiritual and physical afflictions.

The Response of the People:
The narrative concludes with the people rejoicing at the glorious things done by Jesus, as stated in Luke 13:17 : "When He said this, all His adversaries were humiliated, and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the glorious things He was doing." This reaction underscores the impact of Jesus' ministry and the hope it brought to those who witnessed His works.