Luke 8:43-48 (see also Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34)
This was a conversation that might never have happened. The woman to whom Jesus spoke was trying her best not to be noticed. She would have been just another face in the crowd except that He called her forward to speak to her.
The reason the woman wanted to hide was because the rules of society dictated that she should not be there. For twelve years she had suffered from constant haemorrhaging, caused by either a menstrual or a uterine disorder. Her condition caused not only physical and emotional suffering, but also social isolation. Under Jewish Law she could not worship in the synagogue or have normal social relationships, because anyone who touched her would become unclean. If her presence in that throng of people had become known she would have been in big trouble. However, she was so desperate that she decided to take the risk.
This poor woman had done everything possible to get well. She had spent all her savings on doctors but nothing had helped. Her situation must have seemed quite hopeless, until she heard about Jesus and the healing miracles He was performing in Galilee. That ignited something on the inside of her. She began to believe that if she could just manage to touch the tassel of His prayer shawl she would be well. And so it proved; the moment she put that thought into action her flow of blood stopped.
So, why did Jesus choose to speak with her? She had no desire for any further connection and was terrified when she realised that he was about to expose her secret. However, she need not have worried. He did not shame her but instead affirmed and encouraged her. I believe the reason He initiated this conversation is because He had more that He wanted to give to her. If she had slipped away quietly, as she had planned, she would have received physical healing but she would have felt guilty about her deception and anxious about how to regain her place in society. Jesus had something better for her. After receiving His blessing she was able to go in peace, with her head held high and the assurance that her problem was dealt with once and for all.
I am aware as I write this that many of us settle for less than God’s best for us. We allow our fears to hold us back from pressing into His Presence and being bold in our requests to Him. In this encounter Jesus shows us God’s heart towards us. He sees us, He loves us, He wants to heal and bless us, He wants us to walk in wholeness and peace. We can trust Him with our darkest sins, our deepest shame and our most bitter disappointments. He will never condemn or belittle us but will gently restore our souls. Dare to trust Him. You will never regret it.
Prayer
Father God,
I thank you that You see me and You know me through and through. Thank You that do not condemn me but rather offer me free and full forgiveness, freedom and wholeness. Help me not to let my fears cause me to keep You at a distance but to push past them to come into Your Presence and receive everything You have for Me.
Amen.
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