What the Woman in Mark 5 Teaches Us About Claiming Visibility
She broke free from the forces keeping her silent; the voices and affliction no longer restrained her.
A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus.
What led her to think he was different?
For years, in her desperation, she sought liberation; freedom from a condition that was a constant reminder of the depravity of her existence. Unclean.
For years, in her desperation, she sought healing power from the touch of hands she trusted. But they betrayed her. Both body and soul.
But hope still stirred beneath the layers of shame clothing her. It flowed up and out through her hands.
She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with.
One person. She kept waiting for that one. And then encountered the One. At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”
It takes courage to recognize that your needs matter to Jesus. Especially when other voices drown out yours.
It takes courage to make yourself visible when it would be easier to hide.
His disciples said, “What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you’re asking, ‘Who touched me?’ Dozens have touched you!”
But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story.
Unwavering faith compels us to summon up the ability to take risks. We listen to the inner voice speaking out of our Imago Dei that reminds us: “You matter.”
Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.
He pronounced a benediction over her life. Loudly. He announced that restoration is possible. For anyone.
All it took was a touch. What are you waiting for?
Reflection:
What needs are you afraid to make known to Jesus?others?
What insecurity holds you back from sharing your vulnerability?
Who is someone you can share your insecurities with and can remind you to let go of your shame or stigma? Let Jesus meet you there.
How does receiving Jesus’ benediction over your life make you feel? How will it change the way you will encounter your daily moments going forth?
Recommended Books:
Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Freedom by Kelly Nikondeha.
Empowering and enlightening. The author digs into the narratives of women portrayed in the book of Exodus as well those from her own circle in Africa to show the impacts of their significant communal identities.. Their actions demonstrate the sacred obligations we have to each other. Ubuntu: I am because we are.
"All peoples are equally created and tasked to shape their communities toward Shalom. When one group oppresses another, the Exodus story demonstrates that men and women have a mandate to participate in liberation to restore shalom for all."
Quotes
“It is not the task of Christianity to provide easy answers to every question, but to make us progressively aware of a mystery. God is not so much the objest of our knowledge as the cause of our wonder.” ~ Kallistos Ware