Luke 13

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10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way 1 raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your c infirmity.” 13 d And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation because Jesus had e healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, f “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and g not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered him and said, 2 “Hypocrite! h Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16″So ought not this woman, I being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound – think of it – for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame, and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were j done by Him.

Given the above-mentioned passage regarding this case, try to briefly answer the following questions:

What are the causes of vertebral column deformity? And what was the most probable cause with this woman?
Discuss the pathophysiology of this woman’s condition.
For some, Jesus broke the rules by healing on the Sabbath; identify Jesus’ rationale for what He did.
Do you face situations where you need to help a patient despite some rules that seemingly might not permit that? How should you manage?

Sample Solution

Causes of Vertebral Column Deformity and the Woman’s Condition

The woman’s condition, characterized by being bent over and unable to straighten herself, could be attributed to various spinal deformities. Some potential causes include:

  • Congenital Spinal Deformities: These are present at birth and can arise from genetic factors or developmental abnormalities.
  • Postural Deformities: Prolonged poor posture can lead to conditions like kyphosis (hunchback) or lordosis (swayback).
  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries or neurological diseases, can cause muscle weakness and spinal deformities.
  • Metabolic Bone Diseases: Disorders like osteoporosis can weaken bones and lead to spinal deformities.

Given the specific description of her condition, it’s possible that she suffered from a severe form of kyphosis, perhaps due to a combination of factors like age-related degenerative changes, poor posture, or an underlying neurological condition.

Pathophysiology of the Woman’s Condition

The exact pathophysiology would depend on the underlying cause. However, in general, spinal deformities can lead to:

  • Pain: Misalignment of the spine can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Limited Mobility: Severe deformities can restrict movement and daily activities.
  • Respiratory Issues: In severe cases, the curvature of the spine can compress the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.
  • Neurological Symptoms: If the spinal cord is affected, it can result in numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the limbs.

Jesus’ Rationale for Healing on the Sabbath

Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath challenged the strict interpretation of Sabbath laws by the Pharisees. He argued that compassion and the well-being of a suffering individual should take precedence over rigid adherence to religious rules. By healing the woman, Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around. He emphasized the importance of compassion, mercy, and the restoration of human dignity, even on the Sabbath.

Balancing Rules and Compassion in Healthcare

As healthcare professionals, we often encounter situations where we must balance adherence to rules and regulations with the urgent need to provide care. It’s essential to:

  • Prioritize Patient Well-being: Always prioritize the patient’s best interests, even if it means bending the rules.
  • Understand the Context: Consider the specific circumstances and the potential consequences of delaying treatment.
  • Communicate Effectively: Clearly explain the rationale for any deviations from standard protocols to colleagues and supervisors.
  • Document Thoroughly: Document any exceptions or non-standard procedures to ensure accountability and transparency.
  • Seek Guidance: Consult with colleagues, supervisors, or ethics committees when faced with difficult decisions.

By balancing compassion and adherence to rules, we can provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

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