Crowds of people surrounded Jesus, and somehow, she finds her way close enough to touch his garment. Transformation charged the atmosphere. Immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. (Mark 5:29 ESV) Years of seeking healing from every source stopped with this divine appointment. 

And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” ³¹ And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” (Mark 5:30-31 ESV) 

The disciples dismiss Jesus’ question, and yet, he persists. 

And he looked around to see who had done it. 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. (Mark 5:32-33 ESV) 

This woman “came in fear” when she simply could have slipped away. Carrying with her the knowledge of her long-awaited healing. However, she “fell before him and told him the whole truth.” 

Fear might have gripped her heart as she turned to face this Rabbi. She had spent years in an unclean state unable to attend her local synagogue let alone have a conversation with a man in his position. What if he took her healing back?

How did she even find space to fall before him?  

Did Jesus need help understanding what had happened?  Did he need to hear the whole truth? No, he knew.  

Perhaps some answers emerge in the words Jesus spoke over her that day, 

“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34 ESV) 

By calling her daughter, Jesus speaks to her as someone who is deeply known, loved and valued. He affirms her for her faith and encourages her to walk into her new life in peace, knowing her disease is gone. Before the crowd, Jesus declared over her a new identity. Shame fell away. Health embraces both her body, mind, and spirit. By drawing near, this woman receives complete healing from the inside out. 

Prayer 

Jesus, show me how I need to draw near to you and remain there. Reveal to me how you define me and allow me to shed any false ideas that I might have taken on. Help me to come and go in peace because of you. Help me to believe in your healing touch in the now and the not yet. Amen