May 30: Bonus Post by Mario Colorado

  -   May 29, 2025

Friday Insight Post
by Mario Colorado

While scrolling through social media a couple of days ago, I saw a clip of a famous retired athlete speaking to a group of younger college athletes and encouraging them to focus on what had gotten them there. He went on to tell them that they need not be worried about what other players have. God has blessed them all because they get to play their sport for a larger audience. He concluded by pointing out that they can bring honor to God through their given talents. The speaker’s main point was to stay grounded and not be envious of others because God blesses all of us in different ways – use what is given to you.

This week’s bible verse is titled Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath. It illustrates Jesus’ encounter with a crippled woman and the religious leader of a synagogue. The obvious part of this story is the miracle He performed in healing the woman on the Sabbath. The more subtle part is Jesus’ interaction with the religious leader, which for me is the more important part of the story. It is a classic example of how God uses all people for His good and perfect purposes.

Healing this crippled person brought relief to a woman who had been suffering for eighteen years. He heals her in front of a larger audience to display His power and authority – bringing credibility to His teachings and all His claims. But he does it on the Sabbath and Jesus knows this will draw a reaction from religious leaders. For me, this is story’s main point–which is about handling crippling envy. We know about Jesus’ earlier Sabbath healing of a man’s shriveled hand in Luke 6. That story emphasized Jesus’ authority and lordship over the Sabbath. It also made a distinction between rigid rules and compassion for others. While both stories have similarities and are meant to illustrate and reinforce the same concepts, Luke 13 underscores the hypocrisy displayed by the religious leaders. At the root of that hypocrisy is envy.

The religious leader is indignant. We can infer that his indignation comes from envy and not just healing on the Sabbath. Why? Because Jesus merely utters the statement, “Woman, you are healed from your infirmity.” Yet the religious leader accuses Jesus of doing work on the Sabbath. Jesus then points out the hypocrisy of those religious leaders who untie their animals to drink water on Sabbath which requires greater effort than merely uttering a statement. He also points out that she is free from what bound her while simultaneously exposing the envious hypocrisy that binds the religious leader’s heart. Jesus draws parallels from the leaders unbinding their animals to drink and God unbinding those things that cripple His faithful servants. He humiliated the religious leaders by exposing the envy that cripples their heart to that which binds them from seeking God. All those in attendance were delighted because of the hope Jesus provides and being free of things that cripple.

No one is immune from envy. Recently, I struggled with this after a coworker commented on his ability take time off in his position. I quickly realized the envy in my heart. It had me pondering all night as to why I always feel so busy and tied down. I then remembered Rusty and Yayo’s messaging of the joyfulness and privilege it is to serve in this body of Christ. I must do better in not criticizing others on their approach of handling tasks and situations. There are multiple ways to approach challenges and work-related tasks, which often has nothing to do with me or how I handle things. Complaining about it or criticizing someone for not doing things my way or “a better way” binds my heart from doing God’s will for me and exposes my envy for others to see.

Mario Colorado
New Hope Volunteer Manager

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org