What can we learn from the woman's fear and trembling in Luke 8:47? Setting the Moment Luke 8:47: “Then the woman, seeing that she could not hide, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed.” Fear and Trembling Defined • “Trembling” (Greek: trémō) pictures visible shaking—an outward sign of deep inward awe. • Scripture links such trembling with holy reverence (Psalm 2:11; Isaiah 66:2). • It is not terror that drives away but awe that draws near. Why She Feared • Ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:25-27) meant social and religious isolation for twelve years; touching Jesus could have been viewed as defiling Him. • Public exposure—she had tried to remain unnoticed in the crowd; now every eye is on her. • Realization of divine power—she felt the healing; she knows God has acted (Mark 5:29-33). • Awareness that nothing is hidden from Christ (Hebrews 4:13). What Her Fear Reveals About Jesus • His holiness: contact with Him confronts sin and uncleanness (Isaiah 6:5; Luke 5:8). • His omniscience: He knows the person behind the anonymous touch. • His accessibility: even an “unclean” outcast can approach and be received. • His tenderness: “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Luke 8:48). Lessons for Our Faith Today • Healthy reverence: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • Humble honesty: hiding is futile; confession brings freedom (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9). • Fear yielding to faith: she risked exposure because she trusted Jesus’ mercy (Philippians 2:12-13). • Public testimony: her trembling confession became a witness that glorified God (Luke 8:47-48; Revelation 12:11). • Assurance in Christ: Jesus replaces trembling with peace—“Go in peace” (Luke 8:48). Key Takeaways • Awe before Christ is right and good; it does not keep us away but moves us to fall at His feet. • Confession turns fear into a platform for grace. • The Savior who knows our secret fears speaks peace and calls us “daughter” or “son,” confirming our faith and making us whole. |
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