What can we learn about faith from the woman's approach to Jesus in Luke 8? Setting the Scene • Luke 8:43–48 paints a vivid moment: an unnamed woman, bleeding for twelve years, slips through a crushing crowd and touches the fringe of Jesus’ garment. • Luke 8:45: “ ‘Who touched Me?’ Jesus asked. But they all denied it, and Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds are hemming You in and pressing against You.’ ” • In that single verse, faith steps out of anonymity and becomes unmistakably personal. Touching Faith in a Crowd • Many pressed against Jesus, yet only one touch drew power (Luke 8:46). • Faith moves from casual proximity to deliberate contact. • Hebrews 11:6 affirms this dynamic: “without faith it is impossible to please God.” The woman’s touch pleased Him enough to halt His steps. Faith Learns to Risk • She risked ritual defilement (Leviticus 15:25–27). • She risked public shame and rejection. • Genuine faith often requires stepping beyond comfort zones and cultural boundaries (Joshua 1:9; Acts 4:19–20). Faith Persists Through Obstacles • Twelve years of failed remedies did not crush her hope. • Her persistence mirrors the widow in Luke 18:1–8 who “kept coming.” • Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Faith Believes Before It Sees • She said within herself, “If I only touch His clothes, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28). • Romans 4:20–21 describes Abraham’s similar confidence: “fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” • Faith acts on God’s character, not on visible guarantees. Faith Draws Jesus’ Attention • Luke 8:45 shows Jesus stopping everything for one believing touch. • 2 Chronicles 16:9: “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro … to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • Our smallest faith-act never escapes His notice. Faith Receives Public Affirmation • Jesus brings the woman forward, not to expose her but to endorse her: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48). • Public testimony transforms private healing into communal encouragement (Psalm 40:9–10; Revelation 12:11). • He calls her “Daughter,” restoring identity and dignity. Living Out Similar Faith Today • Cultivate expectancy: approach Scripture with the same confidence that His power still flows (Hebrews 4:12). • Choose bold steps: obey promptings of the Spirit even when culture pushes back (Acts 5:29). • Persevere in prayer: keep reaching until the answer comes, confident God hears (1 John 5:14–15). • Share God’s works: testify openly so others see His reality and are drawn to Him (Psalm 71:15–16). |
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