What can we learn from the woman's persistence in seeking Jesus for healing? Setting the scene “ And a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years.” (Mark 5:25) • Twelve years of pain, weakness, and social isolation • Every remedy exhausted, every doctor consulted, all savings gone (v. 26) • Under Mosaic Law her condition rendered her perpetually “unclean” (Leviticus 15:25-27), cutting her off from public worship and normal relationships • Into that desperation steps Jesus, the Healer who never turns earnest seekers away The woman’s obstacles • Physical fatigue — chronic loss of blood • Financial ruin — “she had spent all she had” (v. 26) • Social stigma — barred from synagogue life, avoided by neighbors • Religious barrier — touching anyone made them unclean; touching a rabbi was unthinkable • Pressing crowd — she had to fight through throngs already surrounding Jesus • Inner fear — “she was trembling with fear” after receiving her miracle (v. 33) Her persistent action 1. She heard about Jesus (v. 27). Faith began with reliable testimony (Romans 10:17). 2. She came up behind Him in the crowd. Determination overrode etiquette. 3. She touched His cloak, convinced: “If I just touch His garments, I will be healed” (v. 28). 4. Jesus immediately sensed power go out, stopped, and drew her into the open (vv. 30-32). 5. She “fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth” (v. 33). Confession completed the encounter. 6. He declared, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction” (v. 34). Lessons on faith-filled persistence • Real faith presses on when answers have delayed for years. • Obstacles do not negate opportunity; they reveal the depth of desire. • Biblical faith acts on what it believes—she moved, reached, touched. • Persistence often requires privacy (“came from behind”) yet ends in public testimony (“told Him the whole truth”). • Jesus dignifies and personalizes the persistent seeker: “Daughter”—first and only time He uses that term. • Healing is complete: physical (“healed”), spiritual (“go in peace”), social (“be free”). • The miracle underscores Jesus’ divine awareness; nothing escapes His notice, even silent touches. Supporting Scriptures • Luke 18:1-8 — The persistent widow: “always pray and not lose heart.” • Matthew 15:21-28 — The Canaanite woman who would not take silence for an answer; Jesus commends “great faith.” • Hebrews 11:6 — “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • James 5:16 — “The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces results.” • Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Applications for today • Keep seeking Christ when the situation feels hopeless; twelve years of waiting are not wasted in His timeline. • Let Scripture, sermons, and testimonies feed expectancy—faith “comes by hearing.” • Push through distractions, social pressures, and self-doubt. One decisive step of faith may change everything. • Expect Jesus to call forth public acknowledgment; your story can build others’ faith. • Receive His full salvation: bodily care, inner peace, restored relationships. • Walk forward in the freedom He grants; lingering shame has no place where He has pronounced “healed.” |
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