Encounters With Jesus That Change Our LivesSample

Day 5 — The Encounter That Heals the Soul: The Woman with the Issue of Blood

There are wounds you can’t see, but they bleed within. There are pains that don’t kill the body, but they consume the soul. Such was the life of that unnamed woman, marked by an illness that had isolated her for twelve long years.

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse” (Mark 5:25–26 NIV).

Twelve years… without relief, without touch, without hope. The law considered her unclean (Leviticus 15:25–27), which meant she could not touch or be touched. Her illness drained not only her body but also her dignity.

Until one day she heard about Jesus.

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed’ ” (Mark 5:27–28 NIV).

That thought changed her story. Faith—even weak or imperfect—has the power to move us toward Jesus. It wasn’t a theological or elaborate faith; it was desperate, practical, personal. While everyone was crowding around Jesus, only one person touched him with purpose.

“Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering” (Mark 5:29 NIV).

The miracle happened quietly, but Jesus didn’t let it pass unnoticed.

“At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ ” (Mark 5:30 NIV).

His disciples were puzzled. With so many people around, why would one more touch matter? Because Jesus distinguishes between casual contact and a genuine encounter. He doesn’t seek crowds that brush past him; he seeks hearts that seek him.

Then the woman, trembling, came near and told the whole truth. And Jesus answered tenderly:

“ ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering’ ” (Mark 5:34 NIV).

Jesus didn’t just stop her physical bleeding; he restored her identity. He called her “daughter,” giving her back belonging and dignity. She didn’t receive only health; she received peace. When Jesus heals, he doesn’t do it halfway. He heals body, soul, and heart. Where there was shame, there is now freedom. Where there was isolation, there is now fellowship.

His touch is still available to those who draw near in faith. Perhaps, you too have been bleeding in silence: emotional wounds, losses, guilt, or fears no one knows. Jesus still asks, “Who touched me?”—not because he doesn’t know, but because he wants to look you in the eyes and call you son or daughter. He is not too busy to stop for you. And his power does not run out: every touch of faith activates it.

Sometimes healing doesn’t come when we ask, but when we dare to draw near. “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them” (Luke 4:40 NIV).

That is still his heart: to touch what others avoid, to lay hands of love, and to restore what others discard.

Practical reflection

• What wounds are you hiding behind your routine or responsibilities?
• What practical steps could you take today to draw near to Jesus in faith?
• Is there anything you need to confess or release so that he may call you “daughter” or “son” again?

Suggested prayer:

Jesus, thank you that you do not pass by my pain. Even if others do not see it, you do. Today I come to you in faith, knowing that in your presence there is power to heal and restore. Call my name and give me peace. Amen.