Read: Mark 5:25-34
She said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” (v. 28)
Have you ever felt like the woman in today’s reading? Or do you know someone who has suffered much, spent all they have trying to find relief, without result? The reality is that medical care can’t cure everything, and chronic illness can produce a unique despair.
Mark shows us that the woman had faith. She believed that just touching Jesus’s clothing would be enough, but it would have to be done secretly. According to Mosaic Law, a woman with a flow of blood was “unclean,” and by touching Jesus, she would make him unclean. But that’s not what happened. She was healed—made clean, just by touching Jesus’s clothing.
Her healing is not the end of the story. Jesus called her out. The woman was embarrassed, perhaps ashamed, but courageous. She told Jesus the truth. And this confession completed her act of faith. “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease” (v. 34). In all the gospels, this woman is the only one called “daughter” by Jesus.
When you follow the woman’s example, declare your faith, and put your trust in Jesus, Jesus brings you to himself, removes your shame, and makes you part of his family—a transformation even greater than the healing of any physical ailment.
As you pray, confess your faith to God. Accept your membership in God’s family. Ask God to lead you in sharing that faith with others.
About the Author
Fred Van Dyke is a conservation biologist dedicated to the care for God’s creation. In this role Fred has served government agencies, private consulting firms, and academic institutions doing research, management, and teaching in conservation science. He is also the author of two books on faith and environmental stewardship.
