And a great crowd followed Him .... And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years .... She ... came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If I touch even His garments, I will be made well." And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power had gone out from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched My garments?" ... But the woman ... came in fear and trembling and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." (Mark 5:24b-25, 27b-30, 33-34)
The woman with the bleeding problem had good reason to be afraid. By custom, her illness made her unclean—someone who should never go into crowds, much less touch a famous rabbi. But she was desperate, and so she decided to "steal" her healing—to touch Jesus' clothes and run, all in secret.
But Jesus wanted something better for her. And so as soon as He realized, He basically forced the issue. She told the truth, and instead of being punished, she was blessed: Jesus publicly confirmed her healing, called her "daughter," and sent her away in peace. He gave the woman her whole life back again—not just physically, but spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
God cares about you the same way. There may be one area where you desperately want His help, and it's good for you to seek it. But He wants more for you—He wants you to be His joyful, blessed, forgiven child, living with the real life that Jesus offers everyone who trusts in Him. That is why Jesus died and rose again—for you.
THE PRAYER: Lord, give to me what You know I truly need. Thank You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever sneaked around to get what you needed?
* What would you ask Jesus for right now?
* What good things has God given you without your asking?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 90 Leviticus 1-2 Mark 5:1-20
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