The Background: Twelve Years of Isolation

This event is interwoven with the miracle of Jairus's daughter (which we will cover later). The focus here is on the desperate situation of one woman.

• The Affliction: The woman had suffered from a constant flow of blood for twelve years. This was not just a physical ailment; it was a devastating social and religious isolation.

• The Religious Law: According to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:25–30), anyone with a flow of blood was considered ritually unclean. Anything she touched, or anyone who touched her, also became unclean. This meant she was cut off from her community, her family, and—crucially—from temple worship.

• The Expense and Failure: Mark's Gospel notes that she had spent all she had on doctors, but her condition had only grown worse. She was emotionally exhausted, physically drained, and financially ruined.

I. The Miracle: Faith Reaching Out

The crowd was pressing around Jesus, but this woman's act was singular and intentional.

• The Risk: In her desperate state, she knew she should not be in a crowded place, as her touch would render everyone near her ritually unclean. Yet, her belief in Jesus was so strong that she risked public shame and condemnation.

• The Act of Faith: She did not ask Jesus to stop or pray for her; she believed that the divine power radiating from Him was so great that a simple, secret touch was sufficient: “If I but touch his garments, I will be made well.” (Mark 5:28) The garment she touched was likely the tzitzit (fringe/tassel) on His cloak, symbolizing the authority of the Law He fulfilled.

• The Instant Healing: The moment she touched the garment, “the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.” (Mark 5:29) Power (virtue) had gone out from Jesus.

II. The Character Trait: Affirmation and Wholeness

Jesus was not content to let her receive a physical healing in secret; He needed to restore her soul and community standing.

• The Awareness: Jesus immediately stopped, turned, and asked, “Who touched my garments?” The disciples thought this was absurd due to the size of the crowd, but Jesus was aware of the specific touch of faith.

• The Affirmation: Trembling with fear, the woman confessed everything. Jesus did not rebuke her for making Him unclean (He was the source of cleanliness). Instead, He gave her a glorious public affirmation: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34) He called her "Daughter," restoring her identity and dignity.

• Wholeness: The word translated "made you well" or "healed" (sozo in Greek) often means "saved" or "made whole." Jesus gave her more than just physical health; He gave her salvation, peace, and spiritual wholeness.

Applying the Truth Today

The Woman with the Issue of Blood teaches the new Christian about the power of simple, expectant faith. You do not need perfect words, a perfect past, or a perfect plan to reach Christ. You just need the humble, desperate belief that He is able.

When you reach out to Jesus in faith—even if it feels like just a whisper in a crowd—He stops, acknowledges your touch, and offers complete wholeness, not just physical healing but also spiritual restoration and peace.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Reaching Out. What current need in your life requires you to risk failure or public visibility and simply reach out to Jesus in faith?

2. The Touch. Do you believe that Christ's power is so immediate and vast that even a seemingly small, quiet act of faith is enough to bring about total transformation in your life?

3. Daughter, Go in Peace. When you are healed and forgiven by Christ, do you accept the peace and affirmed identity ("Daughter") He offers, or do you still live in fear of your past or illness?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the miracle and the confession, read Mark 5:25–34. Next, read the importance of faith in Hebrews 11:6. Finally, read the promise of peace in Colossians 3:15.