Conversations – Jesus and the woman with a bleeding issue
Every concern you have matters to God. So, what’s on your mind right now? Where do you want God to show up in your life?
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all wrote about the woman who had a bleeding issue. She had sought help from many doctors, and they had been unable to heal her. When she heard about the healings Jesus had been doing, she was convinced that he would be able to heal her. But she had a problem. Under Jewish law she was ceremonially unclean because of her bleeding issue. According to the Law, anything, or anyone she touched became unclean as well. She desperately wanted Jesus to heal her, but she knew because she was unclean, he would become unclean if she touched him. She felt strongly though that if all she could do was to just touch the fringe of his garment, she would be healed. But how could she get close enough to him with all the crowds following him and milling around him?
It seemed virtually impossible to get close to Jesus, but she desperately fought her way through the crowd and just managed to touch his garment. As soon as she did, she was healed. Jesus felt power go out from himself and looking around, asked who had touched him. The disciples were being jostled by the people around them and they were sure that there would have been lots of people touching him. But Jesus kept looking around to find the person who had touched him. The woman, fearing the worst, came forward trembling, fell down before him and told him the whole truth. Jesus wanted her to know that it was not the touching of his garment that had healed her, but her faith in him. He said to her, “Your faith has made you well” Mark 5:34.
What amazing words! Can you imagine the joy and thankfulness the woman would have been feeling? We don’t know what she did after she was healed, but I’m sure she didn’t keep her amazing healing a secret. We too have so much to be thankful for. It is natural to share a good bargain or recommend a skilful doctor. It should also be natural to share what God has done for us.
This woman had had a bleeding problem for 12 years, but Jesus changed that and restored her to good health. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on praying for people and situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving us new purpose and hope. So, have faith and don’t give up!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, give us a faith like the woman we have just read about. The problems of the world around us can be frightening, but you are greater than our problems. We are so grateful we can always count on you. Thank you for showing us your faithfulness every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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