Have you heard the story of the bleeding woman? It’s moving, powerful—full of courage, faith, and compassion. This important moment is recorded in three of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
To set the scene, Jesus has started His ministry. Going from town to town, He has selected twelve followers and is preaching and performing miracles. Large crowds press around Him as He’s on His way to a dying girl, but a desperately sick woman sees Him. Doctors had failed her; nobody could heal her (Mark 5:26; Luke 8:43). She has been hemorrhaging for twelve long years. Her medical condition and gender would have marginalized her in first century society. But hearing about Jesus, she recognizes her once-in-a-lifetime chance. She thinks, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed†(Matthew 9:21; Mark 5:28).
Through the tight crowd, she gets close, touches Jesus’ clothes, and feels that she is healed! Then Jesus stops, because He also felt it. He waits for her to come forward, and He personally responds to her faith. Jesus speaks with compassion and intimacy to this marginalized woman by calling her “daughter.â€
This encounter indicates the amazing news of Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus, both fully human and fully God, has the power to connect with human suffering. He lived as a man on earth, and as God He alleviated this woman’s pain instantly.
In our modern world today, no matter where we’re from or what we’ve done, Jesus cares about our needs. He loves us. When we reach out to Jesus, He is there, ready with open arms to help us. He can and does heal every kind of brokenness: physical, mental, relational, spiritual…God can restore us. When He heals today, it’s a glimpse into the final and complete healing we’ll see when Jesus returns at the resurrection.
Imagine the joy this woman must have felt at being cured and affirmed by Jesus. She became a living example of Jesus’ love for us. • Cindy Lee
• What is something in your life you want Jesus to touch? Would you like to ask Him about it?
• Have you experienced people being excluded or pushed aside in your community? How so?
• In Jesus’ kingdom, no one is excluded. He is compassionate and merciful. He breaks down barriers and prejudice. How can you embrace this truth in your relationship with Him and others?
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.†Mark 5:34b (NLT)
Read Verses:
Psalm 66:16-20; Romans 8:26-28; 2 Corinthians 4:7
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