Faith often challenges norms and invites misunderstanding. Can you imagine spending all your money on physicians, trusting in them to heal you, only to be left not only broken but broke? You’ve got laws against you because of your specific condition, yet you know someone who could heal you is passing through town. This was no doubt one of the most powerful questions I’ve reviewed thus far. I call this ‘Scandalous faith’, the kind that dares to defy what’s acceptable. This woman in our passage today was not just seeking healing; she was risking public disgrace, legal reprimand, and the last shreds of dignity she had left.
“Who touched my clothes?”
~Mark 5:30
In the Kingdom, Risk is the Language of Faith!
Being justified by faith in this context could sound pretty tricky at first. Jesus was on his way somewhere else, to have an encounter with Jairus’ daughter, when this (unnamed) woman interrupted His trip. Of course, Jesus knew who touched Him; Omniscient is His name. He still stopped to ask the crowd. He wanted to highlight this act in a culture where people with uncleanliness were shunned as castaways. This was Jesus highlighting a radical move to include the excluded, restoring both health and honor publicly. Her act of faith wasn’t just bold, it was justified, and it led to both healing and peace.
Faith often reaches beyond the rules, touching the heart of God. Although many people were touching Jesus, this woman, who had suffered shame and isolation, and was supposed to be shouting “Unclean” as she walked through the crowd, instead dared to approach the crowd silently; she pressed with purpose, unlike the rest, hers was fueled by desperation and belief. She was either going back home humiliated or healed. Either way, for this woman, it was a pursuit of faith, and it would either be rewarded or reprimanded. She was walking away, but would it be restored or rebuked?
This was divine restoration, public, powerful, and personal. Faith doesn’t just change the condition; it also restores our God-given identity. We are required as kingdom citizens to walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that without faith it is impossible to please God. The one who comes to Him must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who come seeking Him. Jesus was not offended by her desperation; He was moved by it because it was directed toward Him. She risked everything, but heaven responded.
Jesus always distinguishes between the brush of curiosity and the grasp of the faithful. People can hide in crowds of religion, status, social media, and busy lives, but those who press in to pursue Jesus in faith are often noticed. Kingdom faith doesn’t blend in; it steps out, risks reputation, and pleases God. In the kingdom, Risk is the language of faith. This isn’t reckless risk; it was righteous resolve, fueled by love and loyalty to the King. While culture may whisper, “Protect your image at all costs, hide your shame, it’s okay to fear this time,” faith calls us to step out boldly, even scandalously.
Faith refuses to stay hidden; whenever we reach for Him, He restores us fully. Jesus affirms this lady by first saying, “Take heart, daughter, go in peace. Your faith has made you well!” This story proves we can get Jesus’ attention through our intentional faith, even if the rules say that’s not appropriate. Setting our affections on Jesus can take on many forms. In this case, desperate faith honored a responsive us God. Always remember faith without works is dead. Through faith, His presence becomes accessible and personal. We can decide to approach boldly, confess honestly, and believe relentlessly, knowing He not only hears when we call, but He answers.
TIME OF REFLECTION:
** Faith isn’t passive; it presses past fear while doubt stands still.
**Jesus always sees the one who reaches out in faith.
Heart-Probe Question:
** Am I pressing into Jesus with faith or standing by hoping passively.
References:
Mark 5:30/Luke 8:45 NASB
Thomas Nelson Chronological Study bible NKJV (Question #29)
TSK Cross References: Rom 5:1-2, Gal 3:26-28, Heb 4:16
Closing prayer:
Father, I thank You for always seeing me, even when I’ve felt invisible. Help me to reach out to You in faith, believing You will respond to not only my need, but my heart’s desire behind it. Teach me to trust that I matter to You and that no matter what the crowd says, You give me power to walk in bold faith that lives for an audience of one. Amen.
