Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: The Woman With the Issue of Blood

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the woman with the issue of blood is a profound illustration of faith in Christ, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This narrative is found in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. It highlights the transformative power of faith and the compassionate response of Jesus to those who earnestly seek Him.

Biblical Context

The account unfolds during Jesus' ministry in Galilee, amidst a throng of people eager to witness His miracles and hear His teachings. The woman, who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years, is introduced as a figure of desperation and hope. Her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27), isolating her from religious and social life. Despite having spent all her resources on physicians, her condition had only worsened (Mark 5:26).

Act of Faith

Driven by faith, the woman approached Jesus with the belief that merely touching His garment would heal her. Mark 5:28 records her thoughts: "If only I touch His clothes, I will be healed." Her faith was not in the garment itself but in the power and authority of Jesus. This act of faith was both bold and humble, as she sought healing without drawing attention to herself.

Divine Response

Upon touching Jesus' cloak, the woman was immediately healed, and she felt the affliction leave her body (Mark 5:29). Jesus, perceiving that power had gone out from Him, turned to the crowd and asked, "Who touched My clothes?" (Mark 5:30). His inquiry was not due to ignorance but served to bring the woman's faith into the open, providing an opportunity for her testimony.

Trembling, the woman came forward and confessed her actions and the subsequent healing. Jesus' response was one of affirmation and peace: "Daughter, your faith has healed you; go in peace and be free of your affliction" (Mark 5:34). By addressing her as "Daughter," Jesus not only acknowledged her faith but also restored her dignity and status within the community.

Theological Significance

This narrative underscores several key theological themes. First, it illustrates the personal nature of faith. The woman's belief in Jesus' power was deeply personal and transformative, demonstrating that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a trust that compels action.

Second, the account highlights the accessibility of Jesus' healing power. Despite the crowd, Jesus was approachable, and His power was available to those who sought Him in faith. This accessibility is a testament to His divine nature and His willingness to engage with individuals regardless of their social or religious standing.

Lastly, the account emphasizes the importance of public confession of faith. By bringing the woman's faith into the open, Jesus not only confirmed her healing but also provided a powerful witness to the crowd. Her testimony became a means of glorifying God and encouraging others to seek Jesus with similar faith.

Conclusion

The account of the woman with the issue of blood remains a timeless testament to the power of faith in Christ. Her encounter with Jesus serves as an enduring example of how faith can transcend barriers, bring healing, and restore individuals to wholeness in the presence of the Savior.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 9:21,22
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Comparison of Christ's Power Over Winds and Waves with Moses' ...
... Jesus is touched by the woman who had an issue of blood, [4238] He ... Could Christ have
known the person? ... Surely it was to challenge her faith, and to try her fear ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx comparison of christs power.htm

A Miracle Within a Miracle
... the genuineness and power of feeble and erroneous faith, and Christ's merciful way ...
The woman, a poor, shrinking creature, has been made more timid by long ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a miracle within a miracle.htm

Christ Returns to the West Side of Genesareth. --Healing of the ...
... that the people approach and touch thee!" But Christ repeated his question, and
the woman, who had not ... said to her, "Be of good cheer, thy faith hath saved ...
/.../section 133 christ returns to.htm

The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith.
... There is a constant tendency in Christians to depend on their own doings, and not
on simple faith in Christ. The woman of the blood-issue seems to have toiled ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/iv the saviour lifted up.htm

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
... And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve ... at mass sees
through the incense-smoke the face of Christ. This woman's faith was selfish ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the touch of faith and.htm

Saving Faith
... It was Christ that saved the penitent woman, it was Christ that saved ... blind beggar,
but he takes the crown from off his own head, so dear is faith to him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/saving faith.htm

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
... [The delay caused by healing this woman must have ... and cheer, Jesus revived the ruler's
failing faith.] ^b 37 And ... them to understand the work of Christ.] ^c 51 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lviii jairus daughter and the.htm

Christ's Encouragements
... poor woman with the issue of blood, 'be of good cheer. Thy faith hath saved thee.'
The consciousness of a living union with God through Christ by faith, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs encouragements.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ...
... came to the Lord's table, and in faith drank that ... of the house of Israel." But the
woman who suffered ... Church from among the Gentiles, to which Christ was not ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxvii on the words.htm

The Compassion of Jesus
... keynote of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ was "compassion ... whose child is dead,
heals the woman with the ... was healed when Jesus saw their faith; the picture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the compassion of jesus.htm