The Unseen Daughter

 By: Paula Short

 

"Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my robe?" —Mark 5:30— NLT

She'd spent years suffering from heavy bleeding because of an incurable menstrual or uterine disorder. She sought relief from doctor to doctor, spending every scant shekel and denarii she had. She was perpetually tired since fatigue was a symptom of her constant blood loss.

She was lonely, too. She was hurt and shunned. In her culture, she was regarded as unclean. And even so, anything she touched or slept on was also believed to be unclean. If others touched her, even to offer a simple affectionate or supporting hug or pat on the shoulder, they would have to undergo a ceremonial cleansing to be pure. 

Then she heard about Jesus; could she really be so hopeful? Yes, she just had to have faith; she knew He could heal her disease. She tried to jostle through the crowd but couldn't make her way through the mass of people. So, she dropped to the ground and crawled on her belly until she came to Jesus.

Stretching out her arm as far as she could, she touched his cloak with her fingertips, just the hem, and felt healing instantly. She knew at that moment that He was indeed the Messiah.

But as she turned and headed off to leave, she heard Him call out— She froze. He wanted to know who had touched Him, so she came trembling, fell to her knees at the feet of Jesus, and poured out the whole story.

Wait for it— He showed her his grace!

And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." — Mark 5:34— NLT

I've often wondered why Jesus wanted the woman to come forward. As the Son of God, He already knew who had touched Him. So, why stop and address her? Why not let her leave now that she had been healed?

It could be that Jesus wanted to show her that her pain and struggle had been seen. Also, to show her that she mattered to him and he loved her. 

It's easy when we encounter physical pain or face hardship to feel that God is ignoring us or that He's forgotten about us. Sometimes we make our problems bigger than God. Let's remember that he is always ready to help, no matter how impossible we think our problem seems to us. 

Reach out to Christ in faith. It is only faith that releases God's healing power. That faith will change your life. Likewise, just as Jesus saw the woman with the blood issue, He sees you, dear one.

Friend, remember that we have a God who sees when you feel weary and unseen. Don't allow fear to keep you from approaching him. He wants you to knock on his door at midnight and come in.

Photo by Mathilde Pée on Unsplash