"Rising Above" (Psalm 63)

Pre-Message Communion



Christian Pastor, Andrew Brunson, from North Carolina, spent 20 years ministering in Turkey. In 2016, after a failed military coup, Brunson was arrested along with journalists, activists and others. The Turkish government had labelled him a ‘spy’. Brunson was held for more than a year without charges. He spent nearly two years in prison – at one point it appeared to him … that he may spend decades in Turkish prisons. Happily, Brunson has been released and returned to the US, but not before he went through a whole lot of trauma.



Following his return, Brunson has candidly spoken about the fact that he did NOT feel God’s presence during his stay in prison. God was silent. Brunson says: I was broken. I lay there alone in my solitary cell. I had great fear, terrible grief, and I was weeping. And the thought kept going through my mind – “Where are you God? Why are you so far away?”. But, as I opened my mouth … and as I wept aloud, I was surprised at what I heard coming out of my mouth. I heard, “I love you Jesus, I love you Jesus, I love you Jesus”. I thought … here is my victory. Even if you’re silent, I love you. Even if you let my enemy harm me, I love you.



I reckon there is power in saying those simple, yet profound, words – ‘I love you Jesus’! As we can’t really say these words, in times of trouble, unless we sincerely mean them, the words ‘I love you Jesus’, open up a pathway to experience God in a new way – where previously there only seemed to be silence. So, If you are coming to the communion table today, in something of a mess, or if you feel you have lost God somewhere along the way – then why don’t you simply say “I love you Jesus” … and see what happens! Like Andrew Brunson – this may be your victory!!



Message Introduction



When we can’t sleep, or wake up in the middle of the night with too much on our mind, we somehow need to know the presence of God with us. We need to have read Psalm 63 – which promotes a special intimacy with God … which will see us through the biggest crisis. Strange then … that the last time I did a sermon on this particular psalm was over 30 years ago. We’ll change that today.



I was prompted to study this psalm by an Our Daily Bread devotion (3 June 19) which suggested that we have here David’s middle-of-the-night experience of sadness over the rebellion of his son Absalom. That would weigh heavy – and many of us may be able to relate easily to this. It is often family problems or relationship issues that disrupt our sleep. Psalm 63 shows how David was able to call upon God’s presence, and because of this find a way forward.



The Beginning and The End



Just overviewing this psalm – the first section (verses 1-4) brings statements about the psalmist’s deep thirst for God, worshipful focus on God’s glory, praise for God’s steadfast love, and commitment to seriously live for God. Life is such that we need our Creator – that perfect source of love … which we cannot do without. We often feel in drought – so we need the living water of Jesus. We need to know God well! Without God, every other relationship seems to lack too much … for us to really rely on it. We can never quite be at peace with ourselves or our environment.



Yet, once we appreciate the presence of God around us, life feels very different – together in the company of other believers, we deeply behold God’s glory and wonder. We come to express this in praise and worship – and it’s NOT forced or unnatural, but rather becomes spontaneous and fluid. We can’t help but praise God … because this fuels us each day, and also provides a strong and personal testimony to others around us. We would naturally accept all opportunities of worship.



And, with God IN the picture, we know that others, like ourselves, are a work in progress – and that life is all about forgiveness, mutual encouragement, and side-by-side growth … toward the realisation of all human potential. The closer we get to God, and the more our spirit has been released in worship – the more we become a blessing to each other and the world – the more we tend to serve. Our very persona and lifestyle can show that we are living beyond ourselves – as we call on the name of the Lord (and are filled with His Spirit).



The final section (verses 9-11) speaks about the assurance that those who have sought to bring David undone, or destroy his reputation, will be silenced and held accountable for their actions – this, ultimately, vindicating David, as someone who has truly, with a repentant heart, sought to be God’s person. The opponents of humble leadership or sincere service will be ultimately defeated – if not in this world, certainly in the next; and in the way history is viewed.



Those who speak the truth soundly (or, “swear by him [God]” – v 11) will be vindicated; while those who lie, or twist the truth to their own ends, or serve false gods – they will be silenced. This not only leads to our personal and spiritual survival, but also allows for a more joyful and peaceful experience of daily life. We simply trust in God.



The Necessary Process



The middle section (verses 5-8) has a real intimate feel … around the things that we think about in the middle of the night … when we can’t sleep. This is where the work has been done … to allow for the praise in the first section, and the assurance in the final section. This psalm is all about rising above the negatives of life, to live as a redeemed and reformed person. We can allow this psalm to prompt a few questions to us!



What is it that might keep us awake, or wake us up, or cause us to sleep unsoundly? Specifically?!? And, how are these more negative thoughts replaced by the positive ones we need?? How is it that we will rise next morning above the problems around us, ready to engage with life, and make a positive contribution through all the interactions of a day. How is it … that we will NOT go back to those places that we have already been delivered from?!?



What do we think about in the sleepless hours?? Arguments, disagreements, broken relationships, anger, frustration, difficult decisions, illness, lack of work or loss of income, debts. Concern for the welfare of loved ones. Past or current abuse or trauma or grief. Lack of confidence or feelings of inadequacy – thinking “I won’t be able to do it”, or, “I can’t live up to those expectations”. Temptation. Maybe … how we can satisfy our current addiction. Maybe, our own death.



Night-time can be a time of greater vulnerability – alone in our thoughts … where negativity can take a primary position. ‘Monsters’ from the past can come back to oppress us. Sometimes these are our own mistakes … that we can’t quite ever leave behind, or forgive ourselves for. Regret over the past can cripple us … if we let it. Feelings of shame can haunt us – prompting us to believe lies like ‘I am NOT good enough, I am dirty, I am defective, I am worthless, I am insignificant, I am unlovable’ – lies like these … can undo us.



When distressed, or uncertain, or unable to decide, or we are caught between competing allegiances – this can all seem worse when we toss-and-turn and can’t sleep. So, if we can just turn our mind to the presence of Jesus with us, even if we don’t get an answer straight away; even if all we can do is say, “I love you Jesus” – we will know that we are NOT alone, that someone really powerful and loving cares for us – and that if we trust him, all will eventually be okay.



Many of us have found God to be helpful (in particular situations) in the past, and we need to reassure ourselves of exactly that! We well recall those times when God has been particularly real to us. This has often happened in the richness of community, rather than in the poverty of aloneness. We have worshipped before in the company of believers, and surely encountered the presence of God. In light of God’s love for others – God certainly, undeniably, loves me too!! This will be like our hunger being satisfied with the best of food, causing grateful words to spill forth. We know an answer is coming – perhaps resolution is NOT far away.



We will no longer feel alone, but rather feel “upheld” – for there is someone on the journey with us, clinging to us in unremitting care – ONE who can be totally relied upon. We just need to think of God – the psalmist puts it “when I think of you on my bed” (v 6), and also meditate on the good possibilities God brings. Then we can sense that tangible help – the way God is working in our minds to settle us down, and give us more clarity and understanding; and we can sense that protection and guidance of being encased under God’s wing. We might even break out in song!



Intimacy with God



We need to move beyond an awareness about God … to an intimacy WITH God. For me, this is the big difference between singing hymns just with our minds, and engaging in deep and passionate worship with all our being! It is okay to say that ‘God is with us’, but it is by actively turning our thoughts to God, and letting the Holy Spirit reign free – that we can truly experience God’s living presence with us (and therefore be truly sustained in our faith). This psalm certainly reflects a very earnest desire to connect cohesively with God. So important – because any measure of suffering is a dark place for anyone who doesn’t allow God to give it meaning.



An intimate relationship with God must be established. Close fellowship with God must be cultivated. It is in deep communion with God … that we will receive all the grace, wisdom and strength we need … to handle our difficulties. Another psalm famously says, “God is our refuge and strength – a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). Paul, in Romans chapter 8 (vs 26-27), talks about the Holy Spirit interceding for us, when we just can’t find the words to approach our situation. The Holy Spirit prays for us (and with us) in accordance with God’s will, such “groans or sighs” being heard and understood and responded to … by God.



Here, God’s Spirit is merging with our spirit … in the deepest act of intimacy. Scot McKnight writes, “The Spirit takes our worries and sets them before God, and takes our consternation and resolves it in God’s presence”. McKnight also writes, “Prayer, when swallowed up by the Spirit, takes us to new places in the presence of God”. This deep communion, as Frances Hogan writes, is “a drink from the river of life in the heart of God – a drink that invigorates and heals, as well as teaches and gives direction to life”. As we are now fully open to God, God, who is Spirit, communes with our spirit … to pour living water onto thirsty ground.



As we surrender all of our concerns to God – we release God to show all of His love, regard and care … for us, and also for those around us. In deep communion with God, we also deal with the sin within our own heart, and seek forgiveness for our part in the troubling situation we are in; while, at the same time, finding the strength (in God) to forgive those others who have offended us – leaving their fate in the fair and just hands of God. As we free up space like this, in our thinking and in our spirit, we can begin to sense those new paths forward, and creative ways of approaching various challenges.

Identity with Christ

Rather than predominantly thinking about our troubles – what can we think about? Here is what we can replace negative thoughts with – 'Jesus restores broken people'!! And Jesus wants to be our friend, and Saviour!! The only way to be healed from feelings of shame … is to shift your focus from who you are in your own eyes to who Christ is … what he has done for you, and what he declares about you. You are NOT what someone else says negatively about you; you are NOT what someone has done to you – you ARE saved by the grace of God in faith (or can be), and ARE being renewed into the image of Jesus. In Christ, you are forgiven, you are free, you are redeemed, healed and beautiful.

You are a cherished child of the everlasting Father. You are fully known and fully loved. [From J D Greear]. The grip of grace never lets you go. And, the resurrection of Jesus … shows God’s victory … even over our own physical death (this sometimes being our greatest worry). We are forgiven through the death of Jesus on the cross, and we are saved through Jesus’ resurrection – the forerunner of all new life … the new life we are being given (Romans 5:10). Because Jesus lives we can live … on-and-on. Our new spiritual life … is Jesus’ life.

We are in Christ, and he is in us. Jesus’ life is our life (John 14:19, Col 3:3-4). When we die, we can be safe in the arms of God’s love and mercy. As we allow Jesus to shape our lives here and now, he will continue to shape our lives through eternity (wherever that leads). Salvation is NOT just a word (that we throw around), but rather, salvation is … a person!! And that person loves you. The name of Jesus means – God’s salvation. Like David, in this psalm … be reassured, in those sleepless hours of the night, that Jesus is with you!

Conclusion

It is only God that can help us. And it is through Jesus that we can rise above our difficulties and stresses. The resources of God are much greater than our own, or any we will find (anywhere) in the world. Yet, as life goes on, we will likely need to place greater value on God, and our relationship with God, than we have ever thought before! Maybe sometimes we will be challenged (by God’s Spirit) about our inaction … about our inattention to certain matters or particular people. But, at the same time, God is offering us his (powerful) resources … through which to provide for our forgiveness, and so we can attempt various forms of activity … that previously may have seemed too difficult.

It is in seeking and staying close to God, and in affirming that God will never leave us, but rather sustain us, and, in this, will always have our best at heart, that we will survive the biggest challenges – and not just survive, but also grow … and rise above! But sometimes, when the crunch comes suddenly, we remain unprepared. This is why we need to get the Word of God into us, and fully understand who Jesus is to us – our subject for next week; but reading and re-reading Psalm 63 would be a good start. This is so that, when the crunch comes without warning, we are better prepared with the tools and resources we need. Amen.

"An Inclusive Kingdom" (Mark 7:24-30)

Prelude



I love Jesus! I love Jesus … particularly … because Jesus changes lives. He changed my life. Jesus changes how we feel about ourselves, gives us new life, and provides an ethical framework for life – one that just plainly makes sense. Jesus loves me … I love Jesus! We see in the Gospel narratives how Jesus loved people … all people. And many people were able to respond to that love. People who met Jesus through the Gospels, were able to begin to see themselves and their futures differently … much differently. Jesus was able to offer healing based on faith, and hope based on forgiveness.



As we read these incidents in the Gospels, we too are being asked to think differently about other people. We read that the stranger becomes our neighbour. People who the society of the time excluded as unworthy … e.g. lepers, women of a certain reputation, tax collectors and Roman centurions … actually (shockingly) became examples of faith. The first (in their own mind) shall be last, and the last (through humility) shall actually be first. Whenever we read about Jesus engaging with another person, it is likely we are being challenged to think about the world differently. When I read about how Jesus related with people, it must change the way I relate to people.



Introduction



Many times Jesus had intentions of slipping away to a quiet place for rest and prayer. But such was his reputation and ministry amongst people, that it was difficult for Jesus to escape notice. It is notable that this notoriety was even evident deep into Gentile territory. Jesus was NOT afraid to travel to foreign parts – quite the opposite … this was deliberate, as if making a strong point about the breadth of God’s concern for all people. After all, why otherwise would Jesus have travelled to Tyre, if not to show … to all … the real breadth of his mission.



God’s intention, on the basis of his loving covenant with Israel, was always to embrace all the nations of the world. God’s mission of blessing all nations … goes all the way back to the beginnings of God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 (really to Creation itself). People may have divided off into different places with different languages and customs, but God was still committed to reaching them all. Our great commission … of making disciples from all nations … is at the centre of God’s heart.



We see on the day of Pentecost how people from a great variety of language groups were able to clearly hear the Gospel shared in their own language. Today, we strive to understand the culture around us, so we too can share the Gospel in ways that will be understood – often beginning with acts of practical service. Jesus was known for such acts of practical service and healing, and so this local woman from the region of Tyre … sought Jesus out, as soon as she got wind of such a great opportunity.



Opening Text – vs 24-26



Jewish historian Josephus described the Gentile people from Tyre as “notoriously our bitterest enemies”. They worshipped many (false unproductive) ‘gods’. In Old Testament times, Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, forced the worship of the pagan god Baal upon the Israelites – she came from this particular region. Notorious … yes; but NO region, nor its people, could be permanently shunned on the basis of one point in time. Jesus taught about loving one’s enemies, and he sought to prove this to be God’s unfailing attitude through his own ministry.



Like with our own ‘enemies’ maybe, Jesus could easily just walk over to Tyre one day – making the point that he was intent on change and reconciliation. This was narrated as something that Jesus would just naturally do … as part of the way he was doing life. But one could imagine, that Jesus went over to Tyre deliberately, to show a resistant Israel … that grace was now moving in a Gentile direction. Indeed, as the New Testament story unfolds, under the leadership of Paul, the crumbs that were being thrown away, were going to be eaten with relish by others.



It seems it didn’t take long for Jesus to be approached. How did this woman (with the demon-possessed daughter) know about Jesus, and what he was capable of doing? Earlier, in Mark 3:8, we read that people from her area of Tyre had travelled to the Galilee area to see Jesus. Obviously the word had got around. She had heard enough to approach Jesus – humbly too … as she bowed before him. In love for her daughter, and in desperation about her plight, this woman “begged” Jesus to deliver her daughter from this demon-possession (v 25-26).



This Gentile woman knew how she would have been viewed by any Jewish person, let alone a revered teacher. In her mind, there may even have been the thought of being rejected and sent away humiliated. But nonetheless, here she is bowing down at Jesus’ feet in all vulnerability (expressing her need). Do we sense a fledgling faith here … the beginnings of which could only grow and grow … if properly nurtured? No one could nurture faith like Jesus could!! We should take note.



The Controversary – vs 27-28



This woman passionately asked Jesus to deal with the ‘demon’ that was traumatising her daughter! Jesus’ response (in verse 27) has often confused people … as being harsh, unsympathetic, rigid, (culturally) exclusive. At first glance, it is a little strange. Jesus seems to be referring to the people of Israel as the (preferred) “children”, and the Gentiles as “dogs” – a serious term of contempt; with the implication of relative superiority and inferiority – which of course doesn’t fit well with the Jesus we know. Even if we factor in the notion that salvation comes from the Jews … in that they were God’s people first, and that Jesus himself was a Jew – it still seems a very harsh response.



So, we need to ask the ‘why’ questions! What was Jesus’ intent here? Jesus was only saying what other people would have expected him to say, what even this Gentile woman may have expected to hear, what the attitude of most other people would be – exactly what they would have been thinking – why would any Jewish teacher worth his salt … especially one who had made the sort of claims about himself Jesus had … have anything to do with such a woman. Why would he!? She was a Gentile woman from the worst of places with a demon-possessed daughter – you would have to be kidding! Except Jesus said it … with a twist! Which was something this woman likely picked up on!!



The woman was NOT deterred – faith again! She sort of played along – having a strong conviction that Jesus was NOT like others she had encountered. Jesus would surely raise himself above this, and NOT be influenced by such ridiculous cultural exclusions and hatreds … and he would surely listen to her anyway! Here’s the twist – not always completely evident in the English. The woman may have picked up that Jesus, instead of using the normal word for “street-dogs” (seen as dirty), used a different word that more referred to “house-dogs” or “lap-dogs” (thus softening the language and critiquing the common derogatory tones of the day).



This choice of words … would have provided an encouragement for the woman to continue. There may have even been a glint in this woman’s eyes … a moment of understanding or clarity, as she thought about the ‘household pets’ … often seen sitting under the dining table … waiting for the children to drop down scraps to them. Jesus may have even given the woman a bit of a wink – an encouraging gesture to stay with him on this … that he was really on her side! He just had to, first, acknowledge the elephant in the room, and bring poor attitudes into a new light.



In her response, this woman seemed to be saying (in verse 28) … that if the work of God was emanating first out of Israel, then that was okay with her. She was prepared to accept whatever was on offer … that could help her daughter. She too used the softer word for “house-dogs”, rolling along with, maybe even smiling back at, Jesus’ edgy turn-of-phrase! All that she had heard about Jesus was surely true. Given the circumstances, Jesus was actually conversing with her in the most engaging and gracious of ways.



The Resolution – vs 29-30



Yes, even a “crumb” of grace, if it came from Jesus, would be enough to heal her daughter!! More evidence of faith from this woman! She was NOT going to worry about anyone who would have reasons to exclude her – rather this woman just simply looked toward (this wonderful man) Jesus on behalf of her beloved daughter. She correctly believed that the mercies of God were for all people (including her). I reckon you would call that ‘faith’! And that is exactly how Jesus saw it (v 29) – as we read, “For saying that, you may go – the demon has left your daughter”!



If Mark did not make this clear enough, later on Matthew did (in his Gospel). We read there, at the conclusion of the same incident, “Woman, you have great faith; your request is granted (Matt 15:28 NIV). As this woman heads off home (v 30), it seems she was in no doubt that Jesus had healed her daughter – the “demon” was gone … of course it was! We know that faith brings great outcomes! Her child was liberated from the evil spirit traumatising her, and the woman herself was released from a huge burden of care.



Recapping



In verse 27, Jesus simply feeds back to his audience what was commonly thought within an often exclusively-based society – making the point that Jesus is fully aware of the often dark heart of people toward outsiders or those different from them; which has, at least in part, left this woman and her daughter in such a very distressing situation to begin with. Lamentable, but real. Then, this woman’s persistence and clarity and faith … unlocks the love and graciousness of God – that, we see, is as much for her … as for anyone else.



Jesus is almost making a joke of such an exclusive and superior mindset (given its absurdity), and as the woman is already on the same (theological) wavelength – she gets the sarcasm … and replies in kind. We might find it funny too, if it didn’t hit us so squarely in the face … regarding any failure to love our neighbour (when they are different to us). Despite opinions to the contrary, her nationality or cultural background or life predicament … does NOT exclude her from God’s love. She, like everyone else, has open access to Jesus … when given the opportunity.



Conclusion



Jesus, aided by this woman, was here breaking down the social and spiritual boundaries between cultures, and forever challenging any existing distinction between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’. We have to be very careful with any labels … that they don’t unnecessarily push people away or make them feel excluded. We are all ‘sinners’ in need of God’s salvation. No one is less or more worthy of God’s grace. God loves everyone the same amount without distinction. Sometimes this lesson takes a while to sink in – and we need to be reminded. The disciple Peter … himself … took until Acts chapter 10 and his encounter with Cornelius before he fully got this.



There was a great lesson to be learned here, and how brilliant of Jesus to give a lesson on the inclusiveness of his love … through the words and actions of one of those most discriminated against – a foreign woman with a demon-possessed child! While religious leaders opposed Jesus, while people of his own hometown of Nazareth rejected him, while his own disciples failed to understand Jesus – here was a Gentile woman from a foreign region, notorious for false religion … expressing true and effective faith. She foreshadowed the future – there is plenty (of grace) on God’s table for all (L Richards).



This woman correctly believed that the mercies of God were for all people (including her). This had been the case since Genesis, was proclaimed by Jesus, and was fulfilled at Pentecost. Faith can be found in the most surprising of places. Jesus was on the lookout for faith wherever he went. He even seemed to expect to find faith somewhere in Tyre. The Holy Spirit is on the move promoting faith. It can be hard to find. Yet, we should be ready to listen to the conversations around us each day, for those little comments (or acts of kindness) that suggest a fledgling faith … glimmers that can be encouraged and built on … toward serious faith in God … that can change everything.



Postscript 



Through the various community groups I have been involved in over the last forty years, there have been many opportunities to encourage faith in others. It may have been faith left mainly in the past, or new thinking about persistent problems – but many people, especially in challenging times, are still attuned to the spiritual. You just have to be available … like Jesus, be where the action is … like Jesus, be ready to listen (more than talk) … like Jesus. One fond memory … is following many conversations I had with one woman I was on a committee of management with … she gently slipped into conversation one night … that she had returned to going to church. I love Jesus.

"Complete Restoration" (Mark 5:25-34)

Introduction

Jesus is available to us 24/7. Sometimes, where we sense our need, we just need to actively reach out to him. We can come to know him personally. We can learn all about him in the Gospels. Jesus led a generous life of giving – and that continues to this day. Let us receive all of what he has for us. Sometimes this will be different to what we want, but it will always be the best on offer. When we can’t find what we need anywhere else, Jesus will have something for us. Sometimes we don’t know what is actually best, because we can’t see the future, and we can’t know the big picture clearly enough! But, in the spirit of trust, we can just reach out to Jesus. And, we have this wonderful example in the Gospels, where a very desperate and lonely lady – receives complete restoration.

Text

Twelve years is a long time to suffer like this woman was (v 25). Her severe bleeding was some form of menstrual irregularity – an ongoing haemorrhage. Doctors may have promised her a variety of treatments and cures, but the fact that they didn’t work – made this woman feel worse, and the situation seemed more hopeless (v 26). And, going from doctor to doctor, she had become completely impoverished (in her endeavours). This was all a completely shattering experience! Sometimes we look in the wrong places for our well-being, when the real answer is right in front of us. Not to say we shouldn’t see a doctor when we need one – of course we should see a doctor when we are sick. But reading between the lines here, in a spiritual sense, we see that our real and deepest needs will only be satisfied by Jesus.

When considering this incident, we need to factor in … all the associated stigmas this woman would have to endure. According to Levitical law, such a constant flow of blood would make her ritually impure, and therefore restrict her access to conventional society. She would become a social pariah – an outcast. She would therefore be unable to attend the synagogue – perhaps be excommunicated … socially and spiritually cut off. There seemed to be no hope of bearing children – devastating (especially in the culture of the time … where many would view her to be rendered useless). This would be grounds enough for her husband to divorce her (and her family to reject her). Rather than receiving emotional support – those that she may have thought would help her, could actually have rejected her.

A dozen years of this! This woman would seemingly be in … what would appear … a hopeless situation. Healing seemed unachievable and totally out of reach. But then – there was Jesus – and one touch of his clothes!! In a way, this woman was driven to Jesus … as the only possible source of relief (from her suffering) left open to her! We read in verse 27, that this woman had “heard about Jesus”. But … what had she heard about Jesus? It must have been good! For she was able to make this bold statement – “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well” (v 28). Yet, although she was extremely desperate, and had heard really good things about Jesus – it would still take great courage to enter such a large crowd … and seek to touch a man like Jesus! Remember … this woman was a social outcast – vehemently rejected by broad society.

Still … “if I but touch his clothes, I will be made well”. This is a serious level of ‘believing’ in Jesus! And there is a sense of real faith here, because the word translated “made well”, could also be translated “made whole” – meaning that there may have been more than just physical healing in this woman’s mind. She would know that such healing would have the potential to change her life situation entirely! There might have just been the thought here … that Jesus could bring complete restoration to her life! Or perhaps, it was just the fact of believing in Jesus in one way, that opened the pathway for Jesus to do an even greater work in her life. Maybe this statement was even more true … than she would have ever imagined. The woman said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well” (v 28). Whatever she was thinking, this was spot-on!!

We ourselves don’t lack for good information about Jesus – but do we take up the opportunity that this woman did? Look at this woman – she is an inspiration! The crowd was so large, Jesus so important and busy, and she so abandoned and reviled – people around would likely be offended that she was prepared to contaminate Jesus (with her uncleanness). But this woman knew what she had to do! Just a touch would have to be enough; yet, in her mind it would be enough – and it was enough! “In her weakened condition, forcing her way through this suffocating mob would have been extraordinarily difficult, yet she claws her way forward” (Bill Crowder).

There was faith on show here … in at least two ways. First, she believed that she only had to touch Jesus’ clothes, and if she could just muster the courage to get past some of this crowd and touch Jesus – that would be enough for her to be healed. Secondly, she was also anticipating how she would feel different, and was expectant about a good outcome – in verse 29 we read, “… and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease”. This was an immediate, complete and permanent cure – she expected it and instantly knew it! It’s one thing to ask – it’s another to believe it will happen. This is how Jesus could commend her faith, and say that this is why she had been “made well” (v 34).

For this particular woman, her healing happened immediately. I’m not sure how long it will take for anyone else, or what sort of healing will be provided. It doesn’t always turn out to be physical healing that we receive; but when we express faith like this, it’s always God best for us that we receive! We would each need to consider what God’s will might be for us. One thing I can say for sure, is that if we reach out to Jesus, something good will happen. Why wouldn’t we reach out to Jesus?! We shouldn’t be shy – nor backwards in coming forwards.

Jesus was actually in the middle of dealing with the problems of an important synagogue official, but that didn’t deter this woman. She saw Jesus and was NOT going to miss her opportunity. Jesus could handle all of the interruptions this day, and would later go on to raise Jairus’ daughter. It can’t be … that any thought of Jesus being too holy would stop us – for this is the point of the incarnation – Jesus took on flesh and blood so that there could be a special connection and understanding between us and God. Jesus was NOT worried about any contamination … that day … or any day. This woman understood that the very persona of Jesus portrayed a loving welcome.

Now, Jesus did NOT want to leave this as an anonymous touch – he said, “Who touched my clothes” (v 30)? If there was any sense of superstition in this touch of a garment, or any thought that Jesus did magic or was simply a miracle-worker … Jesus wanted to set the record straight. Any contact with Jesus is ultimately about complete change – being ‘saved’. Jesus should never be typecast as just a physical healer – he is about transforming our whole being … everything about us – how we think, act, behave, the basis on which we make decisions, what we say (to others), our priorities … everything … every aspect of our lives (brought into new creation). Jesus wanted to connect with this woman and allow her to connect more personally with him. Any such ‘believing’ as this … should be progressed into an ongoing relationship of salvation and discipleship.

Jesus wanted this miraculous event to be cemented in this woman’s experience, so that she could be assured of a completely new future. The best way for this to happen was for this event to go public, but NOT so much in the sense of a miraculous healing, but more so as a complete change in this woman’s life opportunity. If this woman declared this whole ‘transformation’ to be true, she could certainly begin her process of social restoration. Yet, there may have been a possibility … that she was still wondering if she had done the right thing – maybe she had imposed herself on Jesus a bit too much!? “Who touched my clothes”?

As already mentioned … in her condition, touching Jesus like this would also render him ceremonially unclean. What had she done? Hence this “fear and trembling” (in verse 33)! If she went forward at Jesus’ request … she would be exposing herself to the possibility of further ridicule (from the crowd). Would Jesus be mad at her? All such second-guessing! Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus was NOT concerned – quite the opposite! Human need was Jesus’ only interest. Her fears were unnecessary! And, Jesus would defend this woman’s interests in the face of any of the crowd’s objections. Jesus looks at her, and calms her, and lifts her … by (lovingly) calling her “daughter”! Here was such a large measure of warmth, affection, acceptance, care, love (Crowder).

In coming forward a second time (v 33), again with a fair degree of courage, and now with complete submission (falling down before Jesus) – this woman may have even had a few moments to share something about her life … as we read that she told Jesus “the whole truth” (v 33). This may well have included the reasons why she had touched Jesus the way she did. Then, she received the wonderful news in person – “Daughter [for she was now, given her faith, a daughter of God] your faith has made you well – go in peace; and be healed of your disease” (v 34). In Luke’s version of this incident, we read that, “… she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched [Jesus], (and how she had been immediately healed)” – Luke 8:47. Here was publicly expressed faith – by a person who previously would have been roundly rejected in her community!

Conclusion

As we have said, this is not just a narrative about healing – for this woman had her whole life changed. A complete reversal of her social stigma. Return to community life. The possibility of relationships again! Re-entry to the synagogue! New life – new creation! In a word … ‘salvation’!! We recall that the expression, “made you well” also means “made you whole”, and refers to an experience of salvation – as does the phrase “go in peace” i.e. release from all shame, and forgiveness from all guilt. Through her faith and courage, Jesus was able to bring a beautiful ministry into her life! One faith-filled decision to touch Jesus’ clothes, and a whole life is changed!!

It is worthy to consider … that this day … there was people everywhere, crushing Jesus from all angles. No doubt many came into contact with Jesus’ clothes, whether accidentally or on purpose. Yet, did any of those … experience such a remarkable outcome!? This was NOT superstition or magic – it wasn’t really about Jesus’ garments at all. This was really about the most important of matters in life – FAITH! What mattered was this woman’s intent, desperation, humility and courage! Salvation like this … doesn’t just happen – we have to want it and seek it … ask for it and receive it. The good news is – salvation is right there with Jesus … he’s just dying to give it to us – and in full measure!! Amen!