A Word for Today | Luke 8:42-48
The final miracle recorded in Luke chapter 8 involves two separate events. The account begins with a ruler of the synagogue who implored Jesus to come to his house and heal his dying daughter. Jesus headed that way through a crowd and the people pressed around Him. Suddenly, Jesus stopped and inquired: “Who was it that touched me?” No one came forward, and Peter pointed out that virtually everyone in the crowd had rubbed against Him (Lk. 8:45). But Jesus insisted: “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me” (Lk. 8:46). At this, a humble woman came forward, falling to the ground and admitting that she was the one.
The story of this woman is a sad one, as seen in the details Mark’s Gospel supplies. The woman “had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and. . . had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse” (Mk. 5:25-26). Scholars suggest that the woman suffered from a uterine hemorrhage, a condition that was not only painful but also rendered her ceremonially unclean under the law (Lev. 15:19). But she heard about Jesus and her need caused her to reach out in faith. People who do not feel their need are usually not much interested in Jesus. But we all need His healing grace because of the guilt and corruption of our sin.
Unfortunately, this woman had long sought solutions in the wrong places. She had been to physicians who had no cure but were glad to take her money, and the result had been more pain for her. People today are just like her. Feeling unsatisfied and insignificant, they search for happiness in the things of the world, when only Jesus can give us true peace. What saved this poor woman was learning about Jesus and believing in His salvation. Then when Jesus came near – as He does today in the preaching of the gospel – she reached out in faith and touched Him. “She thought, if I just touch his clothes, I will be healed’” (Mk. 5:28). She was right! Immediately, her bleeding stopped and “she was freed from her suffering.” Jesus has power that can be found nowhere else! Yes, He can heal the body when physicians have failed. But Jesus more importantly heals the soul. Jesus removes the guilt of sin by His own blood on the cross. And Jesus gives resurrection life to those who long to be fulfilled in God.
The brief account of Jesus’ healing of this afflicted woman – His power responding to her faith – concludes with a witness that Jesus called her to give. “Who was it that touched me?” he asked (8:45). He wanted to hear her story, and for others to hear it too! This is our privilege and our obligation as those saved by His grace. After all, if we knew of a doctor who could cure diseases, we would tell everyone. In fact, we know someone far greater, who can take away our sins and grant eternal life! Jesus wants us to tell our story and declare who He is so that others can be saved. And when she had given her witness, Jesus gave her peace: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease” (Mk. 5:34). What peace it gives when we show thanks to Christ and tell others of the salvation He alone is able to give – if we will believe!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips