Once there was a woman who was very ill. She had a discharge of blood for twelve years. Twelve years is a long time; two or three presidents could serve terms during twelve years. A kindergartener could graduate high school in twelve years. Twelve years is a long time to bleed, and she never could stop it. She was very sick, anemic, and weak from bleeding all the time. At the very least, this would have been embarrassing; can you see her at a party or visiting a friend’s house or going out to eat? “Oh, excuse me, sorry to leave a mess, I’m bleeding again. I just can’t get it to stop.” She probably had to bring a change of clothes with her everywhere she went, if she went out at all. At the worst, she was “unclean” and excluded from many opportunities and activities; nobody wants a constant bleeder around. To boot, she had spent all her living and life savings on doctors who hadn’t helped her. It was chronic desperation. It was a sad and hopeless existence.
The only hope she had was to go to Jesus. Where else could she turn? The doctors were useless, and we don’t know if any family would stay with her or help her. It was a last-ditch effort. Can you hear how sincere and urgent she is? “I have to go and touch Him.” But she wasn’t allowed (unclean women don’t go and touch strange men), and how could she? Large crowds were surrounding Him and pressing in on Him. But she had no choice. In the midst of the crowd, “under the radar,” she came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His garment. What do you need to go to Jesus for? How much courage do you have? How bold are you to approach Him, although you are unclean and unworthy and have faced years of brokenness?
What happened next? Immediately, her discharge of blood ceased! Hallelujah! Did you see that coming? After twelve years; just like that. Thank you, Lord. But Jesus knew someone had touched Him. “Who was it that touched me,” He asked. “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” The woman was caught! Exposed and without excuse. But she did not run away; when the woman was found out, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, declared to everyone why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. What would be His response?
Jesus did not condemn. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Peace. Rest. Grace. Mercy. Blessing. Comfort. Affirmation, after twelve years of suffering. What sweeter words could be said, what sweeter words could be heard? No condition is too severe, and no person is too insignificant to come to Christ. God is concerned and compassionate for the smallest of people; no one is too unimportant for Jesus. Come to Him in faith today, and He will save you.