MARK 5:34

Jesus said to her, “Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace, be healed of your disease”.

TO PONDER

I saw a man being interviewed recently and he was asked if he believed in God 20 years ago. He said, “Oh yes, most definitely!” The interviewer then asked, “What about now?” The man thought for a moment, then said, “I don’t think I believe anymore. I just know.” This women from our Bible text just knew. If she could just touch Jesus’ coat she would be healed – and she was! Jesus affirms that it was her faith that made her well. 

The Jews saw her illness as a reaction from God for her sinful ways. Not only is she in pain, but she has been deemed ‘unclean’ – unable to visit the temple or be around other people without ‘infecting’ them. If that wasn’t bad enough, the ‘healers’ also took all her money.

Jesus breaks the mould. He does not shame her or rob her. He calls her ‘Daughter’. She is the only person in the New Testament to be called ‘Daughter’ by Jesus. He commends her faith. It wasn’t perfect, but she saw Jesus, she knew she needed Him, and she had the boldness to claim Him. It’s not our action either, but our faith, that speaks to Jesus. The wonder of it is, Jesus also calls us ‘Sons and Daughters’.

PRAYER: Lord, strengthen my faith in you. Open my heart to the ways of your Holy Spirit. Help me to daily dwell in You more and to trust in You more. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Jill von Stanke (Pastor Mat's mum) LifeWay Online