There’s no other miracle like it, in which it seems that Jesus does not initially give conscious decision to make it happen. It’s got a Midas’ Touch element to it (power went out from him), which is rather uncharacteristic in comparison to all his other signs. It might lead one to think that all you have to do is “rub the lamp” and a miracle can occur. The story of this healing has certainly given credence to all those who’ve endeavored to acquire, retain, or touch the relics of biblical stories - a piece of the cross, the Shroud of Turin, or the Holy Grail, just to name a few.
But focusing on such power misses what’s happening here.
The crowds have grown and in the midst of the clamor to get a piece of Jesus, to be near the spectacle, a particular women is in incredible need. She determines to be healed. With the same condition experienced for twelve years, some might have given up long before. But once she’d heard about Jesus, she determined to seek his healing. She didn’t want to be part of the spectacle. Just wanted to touch him anonymously. And it worked.
I’m not sure Jesus wanted to make a spectacle of her, either. But he did want to know her and to affirm her faith. In doing so, it restores her dignity.
What’s remarkable about this scene is that it happens in the middle of another urgent mission: Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ house to save a dying child. Yet he stops for this woman, showing that God’s attention isn’t limited by time or circumstance. The one in public crisis and the one who suffers quietly in the crowd both matter equally to him. This story reassures us that no one is too hidden or too late to reach Jesus. His presence is big enough to hold both emergencies and the unnoticed aches of our hearts.
Luke 8:40-56
When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they had been waiting for him. A man named Jairus, who was a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He pleaded with Jesus to come to his house because his only daughter, a twelve-year-old, was dying.
As Jesus moved forward, he faced smothering crowds. A woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had spent her entire livelihood on doctors, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the hem of his clothes, and at once her bleeding stopped.
“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When everyone denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are surrounding you and pressing in on you!”
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I know that power has gone out from me.”
When the woman saw that she couldn’t escape notice, she came trembling and fell before Jesus. In front of everyone, she explained why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you,” Jesus said. “Go in peace.”
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying to Jairus, “Your daughter has died. Don’t bother the teacher any longer.”
When Jesus heard this, he responded, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting, and she will be healed.”
When he came to the house, he didn’t allow anyone to enter with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all crying and mourning for her, but Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She isn’t dead. She’s only sleeping.”
They laughed at him because they knew she was dead.
Taking her hand, Jesus called out, “Child, get up.” Her life returned and she got up at once. He directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were beside themselves with joy, but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.
Psalm 34:4-8
I sought the Lord and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed. This suffering person cried out: the Lord listened and saved him from every trouble. On every side, the Lord’s messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them. Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy!
Prayer
God,
Sometimes we come to you with trembling hands, reaching out for just a piece of your clothing as if we don’t feel worthy for your full attention.
The notion is that when we are desperate, Lord, we believe proximity to you will work. Give us faith to stretch our prayers to you, to receive you for all you are.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.