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When you really dig in to the life and ministry of Jesus, there are a lot of things that surprise you. One example unfolds in Mark 5. Jesus learns of a little girl who is sick and dying. Desiring to help, Jesus goes with the girl’s father.
But while traveling, a large crowd gathered around Him and pressed up against Him. In the midst of a crowd was a woman who had been suffering for years with constant bleeding. She thinks if she can just get close enough to Jesus to touch his clothing, she will be healed.
Upon doing so, Jesus immediately senses that power has gone from Him. After inquiring about who had touched Him, the woman comes forward. He tells her, “You faith has made you well,” and then He continues on His way.
The surprising aspect of this event, is that Jesus would’ve been made unclean by having this woman touch His clothing (see Leviticus 15:26-27). But Jesus was much more concerned with her well-being than the risk of Him being labeled as unclean. As the Cultural Background Study Bible says, “Jesus was willing to be identified with our uncleanness to make us whole.”
READING & JOURNALING:
In what ways is your faith similar to, or different from, the woman who touched Jesus’ robe to be healed? Be specific.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today I am grateful for the reminder that not only do You have ultimate authority over everything, but You have also expressed mercy upon mercy throughout my life. May I reflect Your love and mercy to others today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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