The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Hem
was dying not of her hemorrhages but of her deadly isolation. Here’s her story.
“Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she has spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her” (Luke 8: 43-48). Almost certainly this patient was suffering from menorrhagia, excessively heavy menstrual bleeding. By Jewish law, touching blood made a person unclean. Anyone she touched would be unclean, and so no one would come within ten feet. Untouchable.
If you’ve ever been quarantined for even a few days, you know the social isolation is worse than the disease. Now imagine twelve years without holding a hand, twelve years without a hug, twelve years without a kiss.
She hears Jesus is nearby and believes he can heal her, even if she merely touches the hem of his garment. By law, she shouldn’t have been anywhere near that crowd. Yet she touches. Immediately her hemorrhage stops. Then Jesus demands to know who touched him—not, as she fears, to shame her, but to recognize her. “Daughter,” he speaks, “your faith has made you well.” He calls her daughter—a beautiful one-word restoration of relationship, to family, community, temple.
The true healing here is not the hemorrhage—a chronic condition that could be endured—rather, it is the restoration to family and community. And this miracle happens with a simple touch. Infants who are not touched, die. Adults too. If you are suffering, pray for this woman’s courage to reach out for help. If you know someone who is in solitary confinement, touch them, call them Son or Daughter.
COMPANIONS ON THE WAY
Introduction
Stories of Turning
Week One
Stories of Wild Places
Week Two
Stories of Dogged Faith
Week Three
Stories of Mercy & Forgiveness
Week Four
Stories of Simplicity & Joy
Week Five
Stories of Prayer & Surrender
Week Six
Stories of Transforming Love
To be addressed directly, seen, and touched – miracles that save lives. Thanks, David!
As someone experiencing an unresolved toothache this past week, I identify this morning with the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. I can’t imagine suffering without hope for twelve years. The one benefit of feeling pain yourself is that it helps you sympathize with others. Today, I hope to touch the dentist’s coat jacket and be rid of this toothache!
My biggest fear in life for me is the dentist. I’ve always said, I would rather have a baby. I spend too much time worrying about my teeth. My mother had warned Bob before we got married. Funny story, but true!!!
Pam’s dental crisis seems to have triggered others like you, Linda, who really have a hard time in the dentist’s chair. Thanks for that story!
That Jesus heals the broken hearts right along with the physical pain shows his great compassion. And to call her “daughter” probably made her feel truly seen for the first time in twelve lonely years. Beautiful.