Our text for today comes from the book of Mathew chapter 9, verse 20-22:
Behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, Came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 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 9:20-22
The Account in Matthew
The Gospel records a woman who suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years. She had spent all her resources on doctors, yet grew worse. In desperation, she approached Jesus in a crowd, thinking that touching the edge of His garment would heal her. She did so, and her bleeding stopped at once. Jesus turned, saw her faith, and declared her whole.
This event stands out for its brevity and power. It shows Jesus interrupting His path to raise a dead girl to heal one who sought Him quietly.
Symbolism in the Event
The woman’s condition carries deep meaning. Blood in Scripture often represents life, as stated in the law: the life of the flesh is in the blood. Here, however, her issue of blood symbolizes a life draining away—constant loss, weakness, and isolation. For twelve years, she endured not just physical pain but social and religious exclusion. Her touch made others unclean, barring her from community and worship.
- The Twelve Years: This number echoes Israel’s twelve tribes, hinting at a broader affliction. It marks a long trial, like the bondage or wanderings in the wilderness, testing endurance until divine intervention.
- The Hem of the Garment: The edge of Jesus’ robe recalls the tassels commanded for Israelite clothing, blue threads to remind of God’s laws. Touching it was an act of faith in His authority, not magic, but trust in the One who fulfills the law.
- The Instant Healing: Her flow stopped immediately, symbolizing complete restoration. Blood no longer drained her; wholeness flooded in. This points to Jesus as the source of true life, reversing death’s curse.
Jesus called her “daughter,” affirming her place in God’s family. Her faith, quiet and determined, contrasted the crowd’s press. Symbolically, it shows that even the weakest reach can connect to divine power.
Connections to the Old Testament
This healing links directly to Old Testament laws and prophecies. The law in Leviticus detailed rules for such conditions.
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
Under the law, her state made her ritually impure. She could not enter the temple or touch holy things. Every bed or seat she used became unclean, spreading isolation. To be cleansed, she needed running water and sacrifices after the flow stopped. But her case was chronic—no end, no cleansing.
This mirrors humanity’s sin problem in the Old Testament. Sin is like an unending flow, separating from God. Adam’s fall brought death, and blood sacrifices covered sin temporarily. The law exposed impurity but could not heal it fully.
Prophets foretold a cure. Ezekiel spoke of waters from the temple healing all they touch.
And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. — Ezekiel 47:9
Isaiah promised a servant who bears infirmities.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5
Jesus fulfills these. As the temple’s living water, He heals what the law diagnosed. The woman’s touch echoes Naaman dipping in the Jordan for leprosy healing, showing faith in God’s word over human effort.
The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to Christ. Blood of animals atoned yearly, but her healing was permanent, foreshadowing His blood ending all flows of sin.
Meaning for Us Today
Today, the issue of blood applies to our spiritual state. We all have an “issue”—sin that drains life, isolates from God, and defiles relationships. It starts small but persists, like her twelve years, leading to despair. Efforts to fix it—self-help, morality, religion—fail, as her doctors did.
Jesus remains the healer. Touching Him means coming in faith, admitting need. No crowd blocks access; prayer reaches His “hem.” His power flows freely, making whole.
- From Unclean to Accepted: Sin makes us unclean before God. Christ’s blood cleanses fully, as the law’s shadows promised. We gain access to God’s presence without fear.
- From Weakness to Strength: Draining sin leaves emptiness. Healing brings vitality—new purpose, joy, peace. Daily living reflects this wholeness.
- From Isolation to Community: Her condition cut her off; healing restored her. Today, faith unites us in the body of Christ, ending loneliness.
This event warns against delay. She suffered long before acting. Many ignore their spiritual bleeding until crisis. It urges boldness—push through doubts to touch Jesus.
In a world of temporary fixes, this points to eternal solution. Medicine treats bodies; Christ heals souls. His touch addresses root causes—guilt, shame, death.
Call to Action
This account demands response. If sin drains you, act now. Come to Jesus in faith—confess, believe His death and resurrection cover your issue. Touch Him through prayer: “Lord, if I but touch You, I shall be whole.”
Then, live the change. Share your healing with others, as she likely did. Obey the command to witness, telling how He stopped your flow.
Do not wait. The crowd presses, but faith reaches. Today, be made whole. Your action starts eternal life.
Top
Blog
How to Look up Bible Verses
Recommended Reading
Home