Opening Illustration: Imagine a drowning man in the middle of a storm. He sees a lifeline thrown his way, and though the storm rages, he summons all his strength to grab it. His reaching out doesn't save him on its own—the strength of the lifeline and the one pulling him to safety are what secure him. But without his action of reaching, the rescue wouldn't occur.
Today, we'll explore the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34 and Luke 8:43-48. Her touching the hem of Jesus' garment is a powerful picture of faith that reaches out.
I. The Woman's Condition
Scripture: Mark 5:25-26 – "A certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse."
Explanation: This woman was physically drained, financially ruined, and spiritually desperate. Her condition left her ceremonially unclean under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:25-27), isolating her from society and temple worship. She represents the helplessness of humanity apart from Christ—a condition we all share in our sins.
Illustration: Like someone drowning in debt with no way to repay, she had exhausted every option. Yet, her desperation led her to Jesus, the only One who could heal her.
II. Why the Hem of His Garment?
Scripture: Luke 8:44 – "She came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately, her flow of blood stopped."
Significance of the Hem:
The hem of a Jewish man's garment often had tassels (tzitzit), symbolizing God's law and covenant (Numbers 15:37-41). Touching the hem may have been an act of reverence for God's promises.
She believed even the slightest connection to Jesus could heal her, reflecting her faith in His power, not in a ritual.
Contrast: Jesus didn't physically touch her; she touched Him. This demonstrates that her healing didn't depend on Jesus initiating contact but on her faith in His authority. While Jesus often touched others to heal them (Mark 1:41, Luke 7:14), this time, the healing came when someone reached for Him.
Application: Sometimes, we wait for God to "reach down" when He's already near, waiting for us to take a step of faith.
III. The Power of Faith That Reaches Out
Scripture: Mark 5:30-31 – "And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, 'Who touched My clothes?'"
Key Insight: Jesus didn't need to be physically involved in the woman's healing. Her faith activated God's power. This illustrates a principle in Hebrews 11:6: "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him."
Faith vs. Presumption: Faith is not about manipulating God but trusting Him completely. The woman believed in Jesus's ability to heal her, not the garment itself. Her touch was an outward expression of her inner faith.
Illustration: Picture a phone charger. A phone may be designed to charge, but it remains dead without plugging into the power source. The woman "plugged in" her faith to the power source—Jesus.
IV. Jesus' Personal Response to Faith
Scripture: Mark 5:34 – "And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.'"
Why did Jesus call her out?
To publicly affirm her healing, restoring her to the community that had shunned her.
To show that faith is personal. Jesus didn't want her to think she had "stolen" a blessing. He wanted her to know it was freely given.
Application: While Jesus honors our faith, He also seeks a relationship with us. He doesn't just want to meet our needs; He wants us to know Him personally.
V. Lessons for Us Today
Faith Requires Action:
The woman didn't wait for Jesus to notice her; she pressed through the crowd. Sometimes, we must press past doubt, fear, or obstacles to experience God's power.
Faith Honors God's Authority:
Her touch was an acknowledgment of Jesus' power and divinity. Do we trust Him as fully capable of meeting our deepest needs?
Faith Receives Grace:
Jesus didn't reprimand her for touching Him; He welcomed her faith. This is grace—God's unearned favor.
Faith Is Relational, Not Transactional:
The woman sought healing, but Jesus gave her more: peace, restoration, and a new identity as a "daughter."
Conclusion: The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that faith is reaching out and being touched by God's grace. Whether we are waiting for God to move or feel prompted to take a step of faith, Jesus meets our needs.
Closing Prayer: "Lord Jesus, we thank You for the power of faith that connects us to Your grace. Help us reach out to You confidently, knowing that You are always near. Teach us to trust in Your authority and to seek a personal relationship with You above all else. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen."
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