Brian Moore
The account in Luke 8:43-48 (also in Matthew 9:20-22 and Mark 5:25-34) tells of a woman who had suffered from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years, had spent all her resources on physicians without receiving relief, and was certainly considered unclean under the Law. We may conclude that she had heard of Jesus’ healing power. As a result, she pushed through the crowd and deliberately touched the hem of His garment. We conclude she believed it would bring her physical healing of this debilitating malady she had experienced for over a decade.
Leaving aside the medical diagnosis and physical discomfort associated with her condition, consider the impact she felt emotionally at being socially excluded. How would it have felt to have been unable to enter the temple or synagogue and worship with fellow children of God, particularly for one whose actions reflect her as being faithful?
We do not know this woman’s name. Yet this one quick snapshot of her life and action allows us to continue to meditate upon her story over 2000 years later. So, from this brief encounter that thereafter entered the pages of eternity, what do we learn?
First, our faith requires action, not just a belief. The woman, who obviously had faith, did not sit passively by; she took a risk by moving through the crowd to make contact. Her faith was active and deliberate, showing that her trust in God often demands steps toward Him.
Second, proximity is not the same as connection. There were many in the crowd who were physically near Jesus, but only she connected with Him through her faithful action. We learn that being close to God in routine or formality is different from engaging with Him in a way that transforms our life.
Third, God sees and honors the invisible. The woman had been hidden in the crowd. Jesus recognized her for her faith and called her out. We learn that God sees those who feel overlooked and values the faith of those that may feel marginalized.
Fourth, faith draws power from Christ. Jesus stated to the woman, “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 8:48). Was this faith alone, or was the action she took based upon her faith? When she acted on her faith, she touched His garment and then she felt healing instantly.
Fifth, courage in desperation leads to healing. After years of suffering and failed medical treatments, she had no other option but to reach out. Her desperation, combined with trust in Jesus, led to immediate relief. This should remind us that God works at all times, including when we have nothing to lose.
Sixth, sharing our journey of faith. Luke notes that the whole crowd heard her explain her faith and healing. This should inspire us and others and encourage us to step out in faith at all times, and maybe particularly when we feel it is us against the world.
The woman’s faith-based action brought her healing. She was restored from exclusion to inclusion and became a new or renewed woman, a new creation. Her journey is also reflected in our own salvation. Prior to becoming a child of God through baptism, we are excluded from being one of His children and then taking the step of baptism much like the woman touching his garment, we are included into His family, a new spiritually cleaned creation.
What are some applications? I suggest we be intentional, in other words don’t just be near God; reach out with faith. Take risks by trusting God even when the path is uncertain. Be bold in sharing your faith in Jesus. Let your friends know what He has been and is doing in your transforming life. Always recognize God’s presence in the seen and unseen. Just as God saw this woman, God sees your struggles and honors your faith.
This woman’s story, her life’s testimony, teaches that faith is not passive – it is a deliberate, courageous act that connects us to the transformation of Christ. Let each of us have the faith and the decisive action to become a child of God through baptism, to express our sins and shortcomings and ask for renewal, and to have the courage to tell the world, starting with those around us how our humble faith has transformed and will continue to transform our life.
