Touch of Faith

Jesus’ healing ministry displayed His power and authority over sickness. It also revealed that He was passionate about restoring people’s lives and that He responded to acts of faith with sensitivity and kindness. The healing of a woman who was suffering from a long-term bleeding problem was one such example.

This woman’s “uncleanness” made her a social exile and deprived her of family and community. She spent all her money trying to find a cure. Twelve years of unstoppable bleeding must have also made this woman physically weak and emotionally weary. Desperate for a breakthrough, she followed Jesus through the crowds and mustered enough courage to secretly touch his garment, hoping to be healed and freed from a life of suffering and despair.

Immediately, she felt her bleeding stop. And immediately, Jesus felt His power go out of Him.

Jesus stopped and asked the crowd who had touched Him. The woman came forward, fell at Jesus’ feet, and confessed it was her, trembling with fear. She was afraid of being humiliated, mocked, and disgraced. But what Jesus did was unexpected. He called her “daughter,” and publicly declared that her faith had healed her. The woman came to Jesus for physical healing. But Jesus knew she needed more than that. She received acceptance and approval from Him.

Our faith impresses Jesus. He longs to show mercy and kindness to those who push through the noise and the pain and seek Him out. He responds to our faith in miraculous ways, often doing far more than what we had asked for or expected.

Respond

• When have you been surprised by the way God responded to your faith in Him?
• How does Jesus’ knowledge of your situation and needs strengthen your faith in Him?