We should appreciate the boldness of the woman from Mark 5. She was willing to disregard all the social and religious barriers of her time for one thing: to come close to Jesus. For a woman to touch a man in public, especially a rabbi, was forbidden. If she was bleeding, she would make him unclean.

These rules are no longer in force, as we have learned from Jesus about how to include everyone. However, they were the way that the Jewish culture tried to face some of life’s deepest mysteries: the difference between men and women, but, especially the reality of pain and suffering. The presence of blood signified a person being afflicted with something beyond our control, the ebbing out of life.

The incredible journey of humiliation the woman had faced for twelve years had almost completely ruined her. She was out of medical help, out of money, out of options. Where could she turn? Could anyone help her? Jesus reveals what made her mysterious healing possible: her faith! Somehow, she was so trusting of this man she had heard off, that she would do anything just to touch him.

Imagine how dramatic the end of this journey would have been. Here’s how one author imagined it from the woman’s point of view:

But, oh, do you know what He did? He looked at me with LOVE in His eyes, and said, “Daughter.” (He called me Daughter!) “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are healed!” He raised me to my feet (He TOUCHED me!), and the crowd was absolutely silent. The people followed behind Him, and brushed right by me. Some of them actually smiled at me. He IS the Messiah. In fact, I’ve become one of His followers. Love pours from Him. Power pours from Him. He is the Son of God. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Do you need to be healed? In your heart or your body? Ask Him. Reach out and touch Him. He’ll call YOU “Daughter,” too. (Julie Barrier)

For reflection and response:

Have you faced any long struggles which you have been unable to deal with? Or, have you known anyone who is struggling without help?

Do you feel that you have the faith to reach out and touch Jesus?

What can you do this week to accompany someone who is struggling? Or, if you are struggling, can you take the step of asking someone for help?