“A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment” (Matthew 9:20).
According to the World Health Organization, over 30 percent of the world population is anaemic. This problem affects about two billion people, in both industrialized and developing countries, with iron deficiency as the primary cause. In the poorest countries, where diseases often exacerbate the situation, anaemia affects about 50 percent of pregnant women and 40 percent of pre-schoolers.
The woman who had suffered for twelve years with a flow of blood must have been extremely anaemic due to the duration of her disease. She was weak. Yet with her desperate need and determined belief that Jesus would help her, she was able to muster enough strength to force her way through the crowd that was pressing around Him. She knew if she could just get close enough to touch His clothing, she would be healed.
When she reached out in persistent faith and her fingers brushed against the hem of His robe, she felt curative power surge through her body and knew her struggle for healing was over. She was well!
Turning, Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” (Luke 8:45). How could He have detected her touch with people pushing against Him continuously?
The woman knew she couldn’t hide. The Master’s perception was flawless, and His full attention was on her. So, she came forward, knelt before Him, and poured out her story for everyone to hear. Her illness had caused her untold suffering, and she had spent her income on physicians that couldn’t help her. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her gratitude to Jesus.
Jesus cared not only about this woman’s physical healing but also about her emotional and spiritual well-being. By having her relate the miracle to others, He compounded the blessing. Afterward, His compassionate response was, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48).
Are you spiritually anaemic? You have the full attention of the Great Physician if you reach out in faith to take hold of Him today.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that I can come to You with any need and You will hear my cry for help.
For Further Study: Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48; 4:17–19