In a moment of desperation, a woman whose name we do not know changed the course of her life with a single act of faith. Her story is recorded in three of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—each offering a unique perspective on one of the most powerful healing miracles in the ministry of Jesus.
This account, often referred to as “The Woman with the Issue of Blood,” is not just a story of physical healing—it’s a testament to faith, resilience, and the compassion of Christ.
A Long-Standing Affliction
The woman had been suffering from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years. According to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27), such a condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, which meant exclusion from normal social and religious life.
Despite spending all she had on physicians, her condition only worsened. Her physical pain was compounded by emotional and spiritual isolation. Yet, hope was not lost.
A Bold Move of Faith
In Matthew 9:20-22, the story is told briefly. She approached Jesus from behind, believing that touching even the hem of His garment would be enough to heal her. As soon as she did, Jesus turned and said:
“Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Matthew 9:22)
Immediately, she was healed.
Mark’s Detailed Account: A Touch Felt in Heaven
Mark 5:25-34 provides the most detailed version of this encounter. Mark explains that she had “suffered many things of many physicians” and spent all her money trying to find a cure. Yet, when she touched Jesus’ garment, she felt the healing instantly.
But what’s striking is what happened next. Jesus, sensing that power had gone out from Him, stopped and asked:
“Who touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:30)
His disciples were confused by the question, surrounded as they were by a pressing crowd. But Jesus wasn’t looking for a random bump—He was responding to a deliberate act of faith.
The woman, trembling, stepped forward and confessed. Jesus didn’t scold her; instead, He honored her courage and belief:
“Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (Mark 5:34)
Luke’s Emphasis on Medical Helplessness
Luke 8:43-48, written by a physician, underscores her medical hopelessness. Despite spending all her money, “she could not be healed by anyone.” But Luke confirms that when she touched Jesus, her bleeding stopped instantly.
Again, Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” And when the woman came forward, He told her:
“Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)
The Heart of the Story: Faith That Moves the Hand of God
This woman’s story is more than just physical healing—it’s a spiritual awakening. She risked public shame, rejection, and even punishment to reach out in faith. She didn’t need an audience with Jesus, a lengthy prayer, or a dramatic ceremony. She just needed to believe. She needed a miracle, and she got one. – “A deliberate act of God provoked by the desperate faith of men” – Bishop David Oyedepo
And Jesus didn’t just heal her body—He restored her dignity by calling her “Daughter,” publicly affirming her worth and her faith.
Lessons for Us Today
- Faith isn’t passive. It moves. It acts. It reaches out even when the odds seem stacked against us.
- Jesus responds to faith. Even in a crowd, He notices the individual who touches Him with genuine belief.
- Restoration is holistic. Jesus doesn’t just heal physically—He restores spiritually, emotionally, and socially.
Final Thoughts
The woman with the issue of blood reminds us that no situation is too hopeless for Jesus. Whether you’ve been battling something for 12 years, 12 Months or 12 days—faith has the power to break through every barrier. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37)
Let her story be your encouragement today: Reach out. Touch Him. And be made whole. You are next in line for a miracle!
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