Scripture to Read: Luke 8:43–44
Jesus was surrounded by the crowd as He walked to Jairus’ house, and as they pressed against Him, we read about another person in the crowd who was in desperate need. We read in Luke 8:43–44, “And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped.” Anyone who has ever been sick and in need of medical care can definitely identify with this woman and her desperation to be healed. This woman had been to many doctors over the years, and possibly others who she thought might be able to help her. For twelve years she suffered with this hemorrhage, and no one was able to heal her. It’s hard to imagine how she would have had to push through the crowd to get close to Jesus, but she was able, and as soon as she touched the “fringe of His cloak,” she was immediately healed. In ancient Israel, the fringes of garments were a commandment from God, as outlined in Numbers 15:38–39. The tassels/fringes were to be a constant reminder to the people of all the commandments of the Lord, to follow them and not to follow their own hearts. This woman’s faith in Jesus’ healing power is revealed, as she believed that a mere touch could cure her. Our Lord didn’t heal everyone who needed healing while He was here, and He doesn’t physically heal everyone today, but He DOES spiritually heal EVERYONE who places their faith in Him.
Challenge & Application
Why was the woman in such desperation to get to Jesus, and how does your desperation for Jesus compare?
Physical healing is temporary, but spiritual healing is eternal; so, how are you helping others find spiritual healing through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!