“31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” ” Mark 5:31-34
In the bustling crowd surrounding Jesus on His way to Jairus’s house, a seemingly insignificant yet profound encounter takes place. A woman, afflicted with a twelve-year ailment, summons the courage to touch Jesus’s garment, believing in His power to heal her. But perhaps we wonder, what was so risky about coming up behind someone and touching their garment? Let’s explore how the scene unfolds in order to be drawn into the sincerity of true faith.
Worthy Of A Sincere Faith
This woman’s plight was not merely physical but also social and spiritual. According to Jewish law, her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, ostracizing her from community life and human touch. Despite her isolation, she dared to approach Jesus, driven by a profound belief in His ability to heal. When Jesus inquires about the person who touched Him, she falls before Him in fear and trembling, revealing her entire story with unreserved honesty. We could imagine someone in her shoes scurrying in the other direction in order to keep from being embarrassed, but this woman owns up to her touch.
Sincere faith is characterized by humility. It strips away pretense and lays bare the depths of our souls before Jesus. This woman’s sincerity compels her to disclose her most intimate struggles and fears, trusting in Jesus’s compassion and healing power. Sincere faith compels us to withhold nothing from Jesus, as we entrust our very souls into His care.
The Compassion Of Jesus
Jesus’s response to this woman’s sincerity is both tender and profound. He acknowledges her faith, addressing her as “daughter” and affirming her healing and peace. In this moment, Jesus demonstrates unparalleled compassion, embracing her vulnerability with infinite love and understanding. She shares her darkest shame with the most powerful person alive. And He doesn’t crush her, He loves her. Jesus is worthy of our sincere faith because He meets our honesty and vulnerability with boundless compassion and grace.
Living With A Tender Heart
As we reflect on this encounter, we’re reminded of Jesus’s tender heart towards sinners and sufferers. His compassion knows no bounds, inviting us to approach Him with our deepest wounds and fears. Imagine the impact if our churches fostered environments of honesty and compassion, where sincere faith was nurtured and shared. Let’s emulate Jesus’s example, extending love and understanding to those who courageously lay bare their struggles before us. In doing so, we embody the contagious nature of sincere faith, drawing others into the healing embrace of our compassionate Savior. As we receive His mercy we learn to extend His mercy.
