Jesus Heals a Hurting Woman
March 1, 2021
Commentary
We see a ruler of the synagogue making his way through the crowd to reach Jesus. This man held an important position, responsible for leading worship. Yet despite his status, he humbled himself and fell at Jesus’ feet. His daughter was very sick, and he begged Jesus to come and heal her. Jesus responded with compassion and went with him, showing His willingness to meet those who come in faith, no matter their status, need, or background, inviting all people to trust Him fully. True faith humbles us and leads us to seek Jesus.
As they went, a large crowd followed, pressing in around Him. Among them was a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She believed that if she could only touch His garment, she would be healed. When she touched Him, the bleeding stopped at once, and she knew she had been healed. Jesus asked who had touched Him, and the woman came forward, trembling with fear, knowing she was considered unclean. Yet instead of bringing uncleanness to Jesus, His power brought healing to her, showing that His grace is greater than human brokenness and suffering in every situation today.
This passage teaches us important truths. It shows us some-thing about Jesus. Each time He healed, it cost Him something. It reminds us that true service often requires sacrifice. It also shows us something about the disciples. They responded with human thinking, not fully understanding what Jesus was doing. Finally, it shows us something about the woman. When she spoke the truth, her fear was replaced with peace. Her honest confession brought freedom, healing, and deep relief to her heart, encouraging us to come honestly before God and trust His restoring power. Come to Him in faith.
Application
I reflect on how I approach Jesus. Do I come with humility like Jairus, or quiet faith like the woman? Do I believe He truly cares about my needs? Am I willing to be honest before Him? Will I trust Him when answers seem delayed? I rest in Your power to heal, forgive, and restore my life each day with faith.
Mark 5:21–34 (NET)
21 When Jesus had crossed again in a boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He asked him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.” 24 Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around him.
25 Now a woman was there who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. 26 She had endured a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet instead of getting better, she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she kept saying, “If only I touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 At once the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Jesus knew at once that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing against you and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But he looked around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, with fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Wounds Left Untended Fester And Spread
A common phrase used in the world of healing is, “time heals all wounds.” I have found this to be more false than true. As a pastor, I talk regularly with people who are still carrying hurts from 30 or 40 years ago. The real truth is, … Continue