Dear Explorer,
Re-Read Matthew 9:20-22
We are given very little information about this incident in Matthew. Let's dig it out then we'll look at the other writer's records.
What do we know about the woman?
What did Jesus say had healed her?
Read Mark 5:24-34
What new information are you given about the woman and her condition?
Notice that Jesus didn't let her just slip away quietly, he gently pursued her. Notice the last phrase of Mark 5:33. What does this verse say that she told Him?
Read Luke 8:43-48
I want you to take a few moments to think about this woman. She was desperate for Jesus to heal her. According to Jewish law, she was considered “unclean” because of this bleeding. She was not allowed contact with other people. For 12 years she had been a prisoner in her own home and had spent all her money on doctors. Yet, nothing worked.
How, do you think she might have heard about Jesus?
Do you think it took courage to come outside into the crowds and to touch Jesus?
I'm sure she didn't want anyone to see or notice her. But Jesus did. He cared about her and called for her to come to Him. Why do you think He did that?
Do you think Jesus knew who she was and what she had suffered?
Then it might seem to be kinder to ignore her and let her stay hidden. Why did Jesus pursue her?
When she told Him her story (the whole truth), He could have ordered the people to stone her for breaking the law concerning uncleanness.
I believe Jesus stopped and confronted her because He wanted to heal her emotionally and socially as well as physically. He wanted to set her totally free – not just physically.
Jesus cares about all aspects of your life – your emotions and feelings, your friendships and relationships and interactions socially, and He cares about how you are treated by others. In today's world we would say He is holistic – caring for the whole person.
Are there some areas of your life you've never talked to Jesus about?
He loves you and cares about every aspect of your life!
In His service, dale
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