Points of View: Jairus and the Bleeding WomanExemplo

"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.

Jairus was confused and in near panic. Even Jesus' own disciples recognized the absurdity of the question.

"Everyone is touching you, Rabbi! "

Jairus' heart was beating out of his chest. He wanted to grab Jesus and run with him to his daughter. He had come so close, and now it seemed like all was lost. Anxiety was overtaking him.

The woman was also in a state of panic. She knew this was a risk. And now the worst was happening. She was getting called out in front of everyone. And by this man who had healed her. She simply couldn't stay hidden. It would be easy to slip away, but no. She had to step up and reveal herself no matter the cost.

She knelt before Jesus, raised her trembling hand, and identified herself. Luke writes that she declared in the presence of all people why she had touched him and also let everyone know she knew she was healed.

Much has been written and debated about why Jesus asked this question. Surely, since He is God, he knew exactly who touched Him. And as God, He could never lie, so why would he ask this question as though He didn't know?

Jesus knew exactly who touched Him. And in His goodness and love, He called her out so she could declare her healing to everyone. She would no longer be the unclean outcast but rather the one whom Jesus healed.

He called her out so she wouldn't sneak away, thinking she had somehow stolen her healing by touching what she shouldn't touch, being where she shouldn't be. Jesus didn't just heal her condition. He took away her shame. He smiled at her and spoke sweetly to her in front of everyone. They may not have known her name before, but they definitely heard Jesus call her "Daughter." And she was healed.

He sent her off in peace, even as someone approached with very bad news for Jairus.