“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” Mark 5:25–29 (niv)
This woman tiptoes up behind Jesus, touching Him secretly. Why? Because her bold move would have violated Jewish purity laws. A woman in her condition (or every woman’s monthly condition) was considered unclean. She risked her life to touch this rabbi. But she’s desperate and faith-filled, so she sneaks up in the crowd.
Immediately, she’s “freed from her suffering.” Healed! Even better, Jesus says, eventually, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34, niv).
The phrase is repeated: “freed from suffering.” The one who was an outcast, taken advantage of by unscrupulous doctors, is now restored. Jesus calls her daughter—He values her. But what brought about her healing? Jesus did not come looking for her. She, with bold faith, sought Him out. Are you, like this woman, debilitated not only by physical pain but also by shame? Where are you longing for freedom?
So many times when I’ve suffered emotional or physical pain, I find myself withdrawing, sitting in a corner waiting for Jesus to come and find me and perhaps join my pity party. This woman shows me another path: to risk, to take action, to seek Jesus, and to have the faith that will set me free.
FAITH STEP: What specific situation is causing you pain or shame? What steps do you need to take to seek Jesus’ healing touch? Where do you long to be freed? Talk to Jesus, and ask for His guidance as you take steps to be freed from your suffering.
Written by Keri Wyatt Kent
