From Luke 8-9

Jesus can heal. He doesn’t even need to know who he is healing for it to happen. This story is about faith as well. Faith that stands out of the crowd where many touch him but few are changed. Q. What areas in your life could you use more faith?

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

People focus on different things in order to believe something can happen. Consider this woman.

42 As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. (Lk 8.42-43)

I question the quality of the medical care she received. None the less, its evident she is in distress. At some point she must have heard about Jesus and believed he could heal her.

44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” (Lk 8.44-46)

In the gospel there are a variety of ways people believe healing could happen. Sometimes people believe if Jesus touches them they will be healed. A number of Jesus healings worked this way. Others don’t require touch. They know if they ask, Jesus can heal at a distance. Remember the centurion. With this woman, she believed if she touched him she would be healed. She believed Jesus didn’t even have to know. When she touched him, she was healed. What amazing faith.

What would it take for us to believe Jesus can make a change in our world?

47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Lk 8.47-48)

About Jesus

Jesus can heal. He doesn’t even need to know who he is healing for it to happen. This story is about faith as well. Faith that stands out of the crowd where many touch him but few are changed. I can’t wait to see him.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.