8
"The gardener replied, 'Sir, let it stand for one more year. I'll dig around it and fertilize it.
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Maybe next year it'll have figs. But if not, then cut it down.'"
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Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the day of worship.
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A woman who was possessed by a spirit was there. The spirit had disabled her for 18 years. She was hunched over and couldn't stand up straight.
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When Jesus saw her, he called her to come to him and said, "Woman, you are free from your disability."
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He placed his hands on her, and she immediately stood up straight and praised God.
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The synagogue leader was irritated with Jesus for healing on the day of worship. The leader told the crowd, "There are six days when work can be done. So come on one of those days to be healed. Don't come on the day of worship."
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The Lord said, "You hypocrites! Don't each of you free your ox or donkey on the day of worship? Don't you then take it out of its stall to give it some water to drink?
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Now, here is a descendant of Abraham. Satan has kept her in this condition for 18 years. Isn't it right to free her on the day of worship?"
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As he said this, everyone who opposed him felt ashamed. But the entire crowd was happy about the miraculous things he was doing.
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Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What can I compare it to?