INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Woman’s Incurable Health
2. The Woman’s Insistent Hope
3. The Woman’s Incredible Healing
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “who touched me?” Our Lord asked this question because “virtue” went out of Him because of that touch. He wanted to know; who it was that touched Him. Power left the person of Jesus – and it was noticeable to Him.
2. First, we will consider, “The woman’s incurable health” issue. She had an issue of blood for twelve years. She had spent all that she had; but was unable to be cured. The physicians and doctors had given up on her. She however, had not given up on pursuing a cure for her ailment. All hope was not lost. She learned that Jesus was nearby; and went unto Him with one desire; and that was: “I must touch the hem of his garment.” Believing if she did so, “she could be made whole.” This would be her touch of faith; to remove her social disgrace!
3. Second, we will discuss, “The woman’s insistent hope.” And that was “If I could touch his garment, I will be made whole.” She had faith that touching the garment of Jesus would provide the healing she needed. She worked her way through the crowd so she could just touch the hem of His garment. It was her touch of faith that prompted the question of Jesus: “who touched me?” The disciples immediate replied, “Lord all these people around you, reaching and desiring your healing, and you ask, who touched you?” It could have been anyone of these in this crowd. But he replied, “I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” This touch has “released virtue” from me. In other words, "power has been released from me!"
4. Lastly, we will investigate, “The woman’s incredible healing.” As a result of her faith, she was made whole of her illness. Jesus did not say to her: “thy faith hath healed thee; but thy faith hath made thee whole.” When the Lord heals us from sin; he makes our entire person whole. Her issue of blood ceased; her fear and isolation from the community had ended; she was made whole in “body, soul and spirit.” She could now join the community of Israel, and make her appearance in the temple of God. That’s what the Lord desires for each of us – when we come to Him “to be made whole.”
BODY OF LESSON
I THE WOMAN’S INCURABLE HEALTH
A. In this lesson, this woman had an incurable health issue. Luke writes: “And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,” Luke 8:43.
B. Had this issue of blood for twelve years. Let’s notice how the other gospels speak regarding this woman’s health issue. Notice:
1. Matthew. “And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years,” Matthew 9:20.
2. Mark. “And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,” Mark 5:25.
3. This woman was bleeding for 12 years. It had a tremendous physical and mental impact upon her. She was weak and dying.
4. She was in a desperate condition. Her bleeding made her ceremonially and socially unclean, and this was no doubt a burden to live under for 12 years.
a. According to the Jewish law, if this woman touched anyone, she imparted her uncleanness to them, an uncleanness that would not allow them to take part in any aspect of Israel's ever day life and worship.
b. Luke the physician also tells us that she had spent all her livelihood on physicians. Yet, they had no success in helping her with this illness.
c. Many spend a life time of suffering and illness; having no relief; no friends or family to aid them. This is a time of loneliness and hardship for them and their family.
C. The law required. Notice: “And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean,” Leviticus 15:25. She is to be separated from:
1. Family and friends. Notice: “And if a woman has an issue, and her issue in her flesh is blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. And everything that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: everything also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And whosoever toucheth anything that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And if it be on her bed, or on anything whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even,” Leviticus 15:19-23.
2. Daily life and normal activities. The woman with this plague, will whatever, or whoever she touches will cause to become unclean. They would have to bath with water, and be isolated until the evening. She has no part in everyday life in her community.
3. Temple, religion and worship. She was banished from the temple, religion and worship. Her presence there would make the temple unclean.
4. She was an outcast. She was cut off from the entire nation of Israel. No one could attend to her; even the doctors were considered unclean while administering to her health. She had this issue of blood for 12 years. Imagine what grief and hardships faced her every day of her life.
D. She spent all her living. Notice: “And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,” Mark 5:26. Surely, she might be asking:
1. First, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” See Jeremiah 8:22.
2. Further, “There is no one to plead your cause. There are no remedies for your wounds. There is no healing for you,” Jeremiah 30:13.
3. Finally, “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” Mark 2:17. Also, “And Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick,” Luke 5:31.
4. Conclusion: What this woman was in dire need of was the “great physician’s” help with her sickness. We don’t know how long she had been contemplating taking her case to Jesus. Many however, try everything else before they bring their case unto the “great physician.”
E. Neither could be heal. The other doctors were not providing her any healing or relief. Sounds like our medical community doesn’t it? We pay merely for visits; not for healing or wellness! Job the man of suffering described the physicians in his day, as liars and of no value. Notice:
1. Job said: “But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value,” Job 13:4. Truly, this was the case with this woman.
2. Mark said: “And (she) had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press (crowd) behind, and touched his garment. For she said, if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole,” Mark 5:26-28. She believed it would only take a touch!
3. Hear Jehovah: “For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous. There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines,” Jeremiah 30:12-13. Jehovah had vexed his people because of their sins.
4. Some people during this time; felt it was her sins that had brought this terrible condition upon her. The Lord’s disciples felt that way about the blind man, in John 9:1. Notice:
a. They asked: “Saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
b. Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him,” John 9:2-3.
c. It was not for sin; but for the work of God to be made manifest in this man’s life. I suppose we could say the same of her? This now brings us to the next point: “The woman’s insistent hope.”
II THE WOMAN’S INSISTENT HOPE
A. Her hope. “For she said, if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole,” Mark 5:28. I don’t need to talk to Him or even touch Him personally, just his clothing. I believe then, I shall be made whole, clean, and healed. Notice the other Gospel’s account:
1. Matthew. “For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole,” Matthew 9:21.
2. Luke: She “Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment,” Luke 8:44a. Again, only wanting to touch his garment; not Him.
3. I think, I know why she only desired to touch the “hem of His garment”; she did not want to “make Jesus unclean” by touching Him. But what she would learn from Jesus – that when she “touched His hem; she had in earnest touched Him.”
B. Her touch. “She came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched (stopped flowing),” Luke 8:44. No doubt to be unnoticed by Jesus or even the crowd. She was attempting to do this thing secretly. Notice:
1. First, Matthew: “And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment,” Matthew 9:20.
2. Further, Mark: “When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment,” Mark 5:28.
3. Finally, this diseased caused her from being in contact with everyone she loved; her husband, her family, and her friends. Whoever she touched; they became unclean. She wanted to be sure Jesus did not know it was her that touched him; fearing His reaction because of her uncleanliness.
4. Conclusion: She approached from behind and touched the hem of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
a. When she touched His garment, Jesus wasn't made unclean, but, the woman was made WHOLE.
1) When we come to Jesus with our sin, and lay it upon Him, it doesn't make Him a sinner, but it makes us RIGHTEOUS. Ah, you ain’t listening!
2) Remember Paul’s message to the Corinthians: “For he (God) made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
b. How is it that she was healed or made whole, by merely touching the hem of Jesus' garment?
1) Although her faith had elements of secrecy and fearfulness, she believed in the healing power of Jesus. Unwilling to defile Jesus (because she understood the law); she sought only to touch the hem of His garment.
2) She was hoping, maybe to go unnoticed by Jesus; so as not to be rebuke for possibly defiling Him.
3) The “hem of Him” served as the point of contact for her faith and her healing.
c. There might be many things that appear wrong with this woman's intentions; but more than anything; she had placed her faith in Jesus.
d. Her desires to touch His hem; the garment worn by the person of her faith; made this encounter much more important than the questionable intentions of her “touch of faith.” We should know now, why she took these precautions. I see even in her illness; and her intense desire to be whole, she was being careful not to defile the Master by touching him personally.
C. Jesus question: “And Jesus said: who touched me?” See Luke 8:45. This reply clearly alerts us to this truth; when she touched “His hem, she touched Him.” We need to be careful; for when we do anything good or bad to one of Jesus “little ones”; we have done it unto Him. When the Lord comes in His glory, He promises to “separate the sheep from the goats.” And, what we do; or fail to do for others will be brought into the judgment. Notice:
1. First, to those on the right he said; “you did it unto me,” Matthew 25:34-40. Illustrate: When I was hungry, thirsty, sick and in prison – you administered unto me.
2. Further, to those on the left he said: “you did it not unto me,” Matthew 25:41-46. Illustrate: When I was hungry, thirsty, sick and in prison – you administered not unto me.
3. Finally, if we “offend these little ones, it would be better,” Matthew 18:6; Matthew 18:10.
4. Conclusion: When we sin against our brethren – we sin against Christ.
a. Hear the apostle Paul: “But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ,” 1 Corinthians 8:12.
b. We cannot offend or sin against our brother and think for a moment that we are not also “offending or sinning against Christ.” We are joined to Christ, and whatsoever we do against, or for each other we are doing it unto Him.
c. When Paul persecuted the church. Jesus said unto him, “why persecutest thou me?” See Acts 9:4-5. Jesus did not ask: “why persecutest the church?” But, “why persecutest thou me?” The church is joined to Christ. It is His body; His wife.
d. And when we offend or do evil to anyone in His children; we are doing the same unto Him. I pray you will remember this next time you are about to “speak evil against the leadership.” You will be speaking evil against Christ!
D. Disciples response. “When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee,” Luke 8:45. The disciples and all round about Jesus denied that they had touched Him. At His first request, the woman did not respond. He would turn to the crowd and ask again “who touched me?” Before she would approach him and acknowledge it was her.
E. Peter’s concern. “And sayest thou, who touched me?” Peter is now being his usual self before the Lord, questions what the Lord is asking. What do you mean Lord, “who touched you?” Don’t you see this crowd round about you? And you inquire “who touched you?” The Lord was asking this question for the woman to identify herself. Let’s notice now, “The woman’s incredible healing.”
III THE WOMAN’S INCREDIBLE HEALING
A. Jesus response. “And Jesus said, somebody hath touched me,” Luke 8:45. It was more than a touch; it was a touch of faith. In all of Jesus healing episodes, it was Him that “touched the ones desiring to be healed.” But this was not the case in this healing. Someone had “touched Him.” Notice these healing events of our loving Master:
1. The leper: “And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean,” Mark 1:40-41.
2. Two blind men: “They say unto him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him,” Matthew 20:33-34.
3. In each of these healing, the Lord touched them. But, in this healing and the making of one whole – the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. When she “touched his hem; she touched Him.” This touch was truly “one of great faith.”
B. Jesus felt her touch. He felt something moving from His person. It was His virtue. Flesh “throngs on Jesus” but: “faith touched” Him.
1. “For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me,” Luke 8:46. The Greek has two words for “virtue” in the New Testament. Notice:
a. First, the word in Gr., is aréte, ar-et'-ay; meaning manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed):—praise, virtue. We see this word used in 1 Peter 2:9; and Philippians 4:8. We note also this word twice in Peter’s second letter to the dispersed. Notice:
1) One, “According as his divine power (Gr., dýnamis) hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (Gr., aréte),” 2 Peter 1:3. Both words are used in this verse.
2) Two, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge,” 2 Peter 1:5-8. Here Peter speaks of “spiritual excellence and goodness.” However, our Lord was not meaning this in His statement: “For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me,” Luke 8:46.
b. The other word virtue, in Gr., is dýnamis, doo'-nam-is; which means force; specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):—ability, power, strength, or mighty (wonderful) work. This is the word Luke used in the Lord statement: “For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me,” Luke 8:46. It was “divine power.” He felt leaving his body as a result of someone’s touch. The Lord had this power given during His ministry. Notice:
1) Peter at Cornelius’ house mentioned: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him,” Acts 10:38; Acts 2:22.
2) The 12 Apostles had it: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49.
3) The Apostle Paul had it: “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” Acts 19:11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
4) It is now contained in the gospel of Christ, which we preach, Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
2. Mark’s account: “And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing,” Mark 5:30-32.
3. I perceived power leaving me. When the woman touched Jesus and was immediately healed, Jesus "felt" something happening to Him. Jesus knew that someone had received a portion of His virtue – or power.
C. Her healing. “And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him,” Luke 8:47a. In fear and humility she fell down before Jesus and acknowledged that it was her that “touched Him.”
D. Her acknowledgement. “She declared unto him before all the people for what cause (reason) she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately,” Luke 8:47b. She explains her condition and affliction for the past 12 years.
1. Maybe she was embarrassed, and thought that because of her uncleanness, no one would let her near Jesus. So she tried to do it secretly. But Jesus brought her “faith” into the open, even though it began in secret. He was moved with compassion – and wanted to complete this woman’s act of faith. She had been healed – but Jesus desired now to “make her whole.”
2. The woman saw that she was not hid. This probably means that Jesus was looking right at her when He said, "Who touched my clothes?” See Mark 5:30. The woman had to come forward, because she knew that she had been identified by the Savior. Her act of faith would now be praised by the Lord; not condemned.
a. It isn't hard to see why the woman might have been frightened or embarrassed before the Lord. After all, she was unclean. She began to speak quickly, in describing her whole illness unto Jesus. Surely, she was expressing joy, because her flow of blood had ceased. She declared to Jesus that she had been “healed immediately.”
b. The Lord didn’t scold her for “touching Him” in her unclean condition. But, spoke to her in a loving manner. He expressed compassion, comfort and peace unto her.
E. Jesus’ compassion. Notice our Lord's words unto her.
1. Jesus said: “Unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace,” Luke 8:48. Jesus calls her “Daughter.”
a. This was an affectionate term given only to this one woman. This was the only time He calls any woman – “Daughter” in His entire ministry.
b. This was like me, as a loving father calling my youngest daughter, “baby girl.” Or even “sweetheart.” This act of faith did not warrant scolding; but kind words of praise and assurance to this woman who was really a “woman of faith.”
c. Daughter – you have done no wrong; don’t be troubled. Be thou clean!
2. Matthew’s account: “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour,” Matthew 9:22.
3. Mark’s account: “And he (Jesus) looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague,” Mark 5:32-34. Notice:
a. First, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Jesus had done more than just healing her; He had made her whole. The word whole in Gr., is sozo, which means; to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (made) whole. She was delivered from this terrible affliction; made whole, and now able to join again her family and the entire Jewish community. She is no longer unclean – “but made whole.”
b. Further, “Go in peace.” My Daughter, go, understanding that your faith has healed you; and your Healer was neither offended; nor infected by your touch of faith. But on the contrary, I am pleased to share a part of my virtue with you.
c. Finally, “Be whole of thy plague.” Jesus had delivered her from this plague of an “issue of blood,” that enslaved her to live in isolation for 12 years. She is now free from this disease and illness. No more doctors’ visits are necessary or required. You have been “made whole.”
d. Conclusion: When Christ touches us; or we become touch by Him – He makes us whole. The great physician confirmed her cure, and sends her away with great assurance: “Be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole,” Matthew 9:22.
e. There may be one or many in this audience today; just like this woman, needing to become “whole.” You may require to be made whole, however not from an issue of blood; but, rather from the plague of sin. Her sickness caused her isolation from family, friends and the community of Israel. Sin, on the other hand, separates us from our God. Recall the prophet Isaiah’s words:
1) Our sins: “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear,” Isaiah 59:1-2.
2) Our pardon: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon,” Isaiah 55:6-7.
3. Our Lord is willing to forgive you of your sins; pardon you and make you whole just like the woman in our lesson today. As I conclude, let me review quickly with you what we discussed; and tell you how to be “made whole.”
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Woman’s Incurable Health
2. The Woman’s Insistent Hope
3. The Woman’s Incredible Healing
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered, “The woman’s incurable health” issue. She had an issue of blood for twelve years. She had spent all that she had; but was unable to be cured. The physicians and doctors had given up on her. She however, had not given up on pursuing a cure for her ailment. All hope was not lost. She learned that Jesus was nearby; and went unto Him with one desire; and that was: “I must touch the hem of his garment.” Believing if she did so, “she could be made whole.” This was her touch of faith; that removed her -- social disgrace!
2. Second, we discussed, “The woman’s insistent hope.” And that was: “If I could touch his garment, I will be made whole.” She had faith that in touching the garment of Jesus this would provide the healing she needed. She worked her way through the crowd so she could just touch the hem of His garment. It was her touch of faith that prompted the question of Jesus: “Who touched me?” The disciples immediate replied, “Lord all these people around you, reaching and desiring your healing, and you ask, who touched you?” It could have been anyone of these in the crowd. But he replied, “I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” This touch has “released virtue” from me.
3. Lastly, we investigated, “The woman’s incredible healing.” As a result of her faith, she was made whole of her illness. Jesus did not say to her: “thy faith hath healed thee; but thy faith hath made thee whole.” When the Lord heals us from sin; he makes our entire person whole. Her issue of blood ceased; her fear and isolation from the community had ended; she was made whole in “body, soul and spirit.” She could now join the community of Israel, and make her appearance in the temple of God. That’s what the Lord desires for each of us – when we go to Him “to be made whole.” Do you desire to hear how Jesus wants to “make you whole?”
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
