The Woman with the Issue of Blood

This week’s devotional reflects on one of my favorite Gospel accounts—the woman with the issue of blood. Her story is recorded in Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, and Luke 8:43–48.

For twelve long years, this woman suffered from continuous hemorrhaging. According to the law, her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean—isolated, restricted, and dismissed. She sought help from physician after physician, yet her condition only worsened. Where human effort failed, hope seemed lost.

But then Jesus came.

When she heard that Jesus was passing through, something ignited within her—a holy desperation. She knew that if she could just reach Him, healing was possible. She pressed her way through the crowd, unconcerned with the risk of being trampled or rebuked. Her faith was singular and focused: If I can only touch the hem of His garment, I will be made whole.

And she did.

The moment she touched Him, healing flowed instantly through her body. Jesus, aware that power had gone out from Him, stopped and asked, “Who touched Me?” Though surrounded by a pressing crowd, this touch was different—it was a touch of faith.

As Herbert Lockyer writes, “Perhaps her touch had been unnoticed by the eyes of those around… a touch of faith could not be hidden from Him.” Trembling and ashamed, the woman came forward and told Jesus the whole truth. Instead of rebuke, she received restoration.

Jesus looked at her and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

That word—Daughter—changed everything.

She entered the story as “the woman with the issue of blood,” nameless and defined by her condition. She left as Daughter, seen, known, restored, and claimed. She was not only healed physically; she was restored spiritually, socially, and relationally. Her identity was transformed in the presence of Christ.

This story reminds us that when we reach for Jesus in faith, even after years of disappointment, He responds. Where man fails, Jesus succeeds. And when He heals, He does not just mend our wounds—He restores our identity.

Praise God.