Devotionals
Desperate Hope
Nov
Mark 5:25-34 tells the story of a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years. This narrative is much more than a physical healing; it’s a profound reflection on humanity’s bondage to sin, the limitations of worldly solutions, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Through her desperation, faith, and ultimate healing, we are given a glimpse into the saving grace of God and the ongoing work of sanctification in our lives. By examining her story, we uncover powerful lessons about salvation, faith, and the peace that comes from abiding in Christ.
The Bondage of Sin (Verses 25-26)
The woman’s condition is symbolic of the human struggle with sin. Like her bleeding, sin can dominate and define our lives, leaving us feeling helpless and unclean. The text doesn’t specify the cause of her condition—perhaps to emphasize that whether or not it stemmed from sin, the affliction mirrored its effects. Often, we may choose our sins initially, but over time, our sins begin to choose us, trapping us in cycles of guilt and despair.
In her desperation, the woman sought help from physicians, spending all she had, yet only grew worse. This mirrors how we turn to worldly solutions—modern science, human wisdom, or self-help—to solve spiritual problems. These avenues, while valuable in their own right, ultimately cannot address the core issue of sin.
Desperation Leads to Faith (Verses 27-28)
Hearing about Jesus, the woman believed He could heal her. Her desperation brought her to the point of faith, teaching us that sometimes our trials push us toward God’s grace. If the woman had not exhausted all other options, she might not have reached for Jesus with such faith and humility.
Her thought, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well,” reflects the first step of salvation: admitting we are unwell and recognizing Jesus as the only source of true healing. Her willingness to approach Him, despite societal and ritual uncleanliness, underscores the courage faith requires.
The Power of Faith and Salvation (Verses 29-30)
Upon touching Jesus’ garment, the woman was immediately healed. This act of faith symbolizes the transformative power of accepting Christ’s gift of salvation. Her healing was instantaneous, demonstrating that Jesus’ power is not limited by human constraints.
When Jesus asked, “Who touched My clothes?” it wasn’t out of ignorance; He is omniscient. The question was for the woman’s benefit, to bring her faith into the open and complete her redemption. Salvation is not just a private moment; it’s a public declaration of God’s grace.
Repentance and Restoration (Verses 32-34)
The woman, “fearing and trembling,” fell before Jesus and confessed the whole truth. Her reaction mirrors the proper response of a sinner who comes face-to-face with God’s holiness. True repentance involves an honest acknowledgment of our sins and shortcomings.
Jesus’ response was not one of rebuke but of love and reassurance. Calling her “Daughter,” He affirmed her new identity as a child of God, as described in John 1:12: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This moment illustrates how salvation brings us into a familial relationship with God.
His words, “Your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction,” highlight two key aspects of the Gospel:
Salvation: The immediate healing represents the moment of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Sanctification: His command to “be healed” suggests an ongoing process of abiding in Him to maintain spiritual wholeness.
Salvation and Sanctification: Two Pillars of the Gospel
The story of the bleeding woman encapsulates the two essential aspects of the Gospel:
Salvation is the act of being saved through faith in Christ. It’s a free gift, offered to all who genuinely believe.
Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more Christ-like, guided by the Holy Spirit. It involves both blessings and trials, shaping us into vessels of God’s glory.
Sanctification requires active participation through:
Clinging to Faith: Remaining steadfast in God, especially during trials. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “faith pleases God.”
Confession to God: Surrendering sins not only clears our conscience but also restores peace in our relationship with Him. This act values God’s peace over fleeting sinful pleasures.
Peace vs. Pleasure
The final lesson in this story contrasts the enduring peace of God with the temporary pleasures of sin. When we confess and surrender our sins, we tell God that we value His presence and peace above all else. Abiding in Christ ensures that the healing we receive is not only sustained but deepened.
The story of the bleeding woman is a powerful reminder of the Gospel’s ability to save and transform. It calls us to examine our lives, confront our sins, and cling to faith in Christ. Like the woman, we must approach Jesus with humility, and faith, trusting that His power is sufficient to heal and restore. In doing so, we experience not only salvation but the ongoing sanctification that prepares us for eternity with Him.
Reflection:
After years of relentless bleeding, the woman was drained—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially. Yet, when she realized Jesus was within reach, she pushed through the crowd, disregarding numerous Jewish laws in her pursuit. Her desperation gave birth to genuine faith.
Unlike the woman, we don’t need to wait for Jesus to pass by. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to Him at any time. And we don’t need to wait until we’ve reached the point of desperation. He’s just waiting for us to reach out for His loving hands.
- What struggles have you been trying to solve with worldly means, even though you know Jesus is the only one who can truly help?
- Where do you think this will lead?
- What’s holding you back from turning to Him and trusting Him as your ultimate hope?
