Imagine living for twelve long years in pain and suffering. Every day, the woman in today’s scripture woke up with the same problem: a bleeding disorder that never stopped. Under Jewish purity laws (Leviticus 15), anything or anyone she touched became unclean, so she lived an isolated life, unwanted and unclean. She was exhausted and alone, and she’d spent everything she had on doctors, but nothing worked.
That is until she heard about Jesus – a man who healed people with his words and the power of His touch. A man who welcomed the outcasts and healed the hopeless. She saw her chance and gathered all the strength and hope she had left and squeezed her way through the crowd, knowing that by touching Jesus, it could violate the purity laws even further.
But this didn’t stop her; she reached out and touched Jesus’ robe, and instantly she was healed!
Today’s Scripture – The Woman With The Issue Of Blood
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had endured much and had spent all her money on doctors, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him, touched his robe, and said, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. “Who touched my robe?” he asked. His disciples replied, “You see the crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”
But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, trembling with fear, came and fell at his feet. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”
Mark 5:25-34 (NLT)
Breaking The Verse Down
Twelve years of suffering & medical dead-ends – The woman’s condition drained her physically, emotional,ly and financially
Ceremonial uncleanness = social isolation – Because she was seen as unclean, she couldn’t worship, go into others ‘ homes, or touch anyone. Her life was utterly defined by her illness, and she was completely alone.
Daring Faith – When she heard about Jesus, she thought, “If I just touch His cloak, I will get well.”. She didn’t need His attention, His words, or even His acknowledgement. Her faith was so strong that she believed all she needed to do was touch Him to be healed. She risked everything and instantly knew she was healed!
Jesus Notices – In a sea of people, Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched me?” The disciples were confused because everyone in the crowd was pressing in, touching and bumping Jesus. But Jesus knew healing power had gone from Him.
Fear And Confession – Terrified, the woman comes forward to confess what she had done. She had broken the law by touching him. But instead of rebuking her, Jesus calls her “Daughter”.
Restoration – Jesus didn’t just heal her body. He restored her place in her community and publically celebrated her faith. She wasn’t just healed, when was whole, seen and loved!
Faith in Action
Reflection Questions & Journaling Prompts
Affirmation for Today
I am seen and loved by Jesus. I matter to him, and when I reach for Him, He heals me.
Prayer for the Day
Jesus,
Thank You for noticing what I try to hide. I come to You and I believe You hear me. Even the smallest touch of my heart towards You is not wasted. You see me. You call me “Daughter/Son.” My isolation ends because I am Yours. Heal me, wherever I am broken, and give me the courage to live openly in Your light, not hiding anymore.
In Your name, Amen.
