The Woman with the Issue of Blood – A Touch of Faith
Text: Mark 5:25–34 (ESV)
Series: Unnamed Women of the Bible – Part 2
Introduction: Her Desperation Meets His Power
Twelve years of bleeding. Twelve years of isolation, shame, and ritual uncleanliness. She had no name in the record, but she had a story that still reaches into the hearts of the hurting. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t speak to Jesus—she reached for Him. Her silent touch interrupted a crowd, and Heaven responded.
In a culture that excluded her from the temple, family, and fellowship, she risked everything to get to the One who could restore her body—and her soul.
1. Her Condition: Chronic and Costly
Mark 5:25–26 – “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.”
Exegesis:
– The phrase “suffered much under many physicians” reflects the painful and experimental remedies of ancient medicine.
– According to Leviticus 15:25–27, she was ritually unclean, meaning she could not attend worship or be touched without transferring her impurity.
– She was not only sick—she was spiritually and socially isolated.
Application:
Have you ever spent all your strength, all your hope, and found yourself worse off? Sometimes human solutions run out—so faith reaches for something more.
2. Her Faith: Silent but Strong
Mark 5:27–28 – “She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, ‘If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.’”
Exegesis:
– The Greek word for “touch” (ἥψατο, hēpsato) implies grasping or clinging.
– Her faith was quiet, personal, and practical—she didn’t ask for attention, just healing.
– She believed Jesus didn’t need to look at her to help her. She trusted His power more than her visibility.
Application:
Faith doesn’t need a microphone—it just needs movement. Is there something you’re afraid to bring into the open, but desperate to bring to Jesus?
3. Her Healing: Immediate and Complete
Mark 5:29 – “And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.”
Exegesis:
– The healing was both physical and emotional—she “felt” the change within.
– Her condition ended the moment she touched Him, showing that Jesus’ power is instant and intentional, even in a crowd.
Application:
Jesus isn’t too busy for you. You don’t need to shout louder than others—you just need to reach in faith.
4. His Response: Seen, Known, and Affirmed
Mark 5:30–34 – “Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out… turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?’”
Exegesis:
– Jesus wasn’t ignorant—He was inviting her to step into the light.
– When she confessed, trembling and afraid, He didn’t rebuke her. He called her “Daughter.”
– This is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus calls someone by that name—restoring identity and dignity.
“Your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Application:
Jesus wants more than to fix your body—He wants to affirm your soul. What healing have you been afraid to speak about, but desperately need to?
Life Application Questions
- Are you silently suffering and afraid to approach Jesus?
- What have you spent everything on, only to find no peace?
- What would it look like for you to “reach” for Jesus in faith this week?
Closing Reflection
She had no name, no place in the crowd, no money, no priest to intercede for her. But she had faith. And Jesus turned, noticed, healed, and called her “Daughter.”
Her name may be hidden—but her faith still speaks.
Closing Prayer
Lord, I come not with loud words but with trembling hands. Help me to reach for You in faith, even when I feel unworthy, unseen, or unclean. Thank You that one touch from You changes everything. Amen. Barry