A Touch of Faith - Oct. 12th, 2025

Introduction:

(Engage the audience)

Imagine attending church with a close friend. You both hear the same sermon, sing the same songs. Yet afterward, one of you feels unchanged, while the other is deeply moved and transformed. The difference? One touch was faith; the rest were just bumps.

(Illuminate the need)

In our spiritual lives, we can be part of the crowd around Jesus, attending church, knowing about Him, yet never truly touch Him by faith. We can crowd around Him and stay unchanged, or reach by faith and be transformed. This passage calls us to that living, personal trust.

Context: (Set the stage historically & contextually)

Let’s situate the passage. Upon His return, a large crowd welcomed Him[40]. Among them was Jairus, a respected synagogue ruler, pleading for Jesus to come heal his dying 12-year-old daughter. Jesus agreed, and as He headed toward Jairus’s house, the masses pressed in. It’s a scene of urgency; Jairus’ need is critical, every minute counts. As they hurry, “the people thronged Him” (Luke 8:42). Luke simply reports she “could not be healed of any” (8:43). Twelve years unclean, isolated, and desperate, yet hope remained. Faith flickers in her: “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole” (Mark 5:28). So amid the commotion, she approaches from behind. Let’s follow the narrative in three movements.

Transition:

The story naturally breaks into three movements: First, a desperate act of faith and an immediate cure (the woman’s touch and healing). Second, a deliberate challenge from Jesus (He stops and seeks the person who touched Him). Third, a delivered soul and a divine commendation (she confesses and Jesus assures her). Let’s follow this progression and see what God would teach us. As we do, keep the question in mind: Am I content to mingle in the crowd, or do I need to reach out and truly touch Jesus today? Only one leads to life.

I. The Reach of Desperate Faith (Luke 8:43–44)

Let’s read verses 43–44.

Luke 8:43–44 KJV

43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

A. A Hopeless Condition (v.43):

Luke introduces her succinctly but poignantly. Twelve years of chronic bleeding, likely uterine hemorrhage. She is weak, avoided, and now impoverished. Many here know the weariness of long trials; we feel her fatigue of soul. She “heard of Jesus” and faith was born (Mark 5:27; Rom. 10:17).

So, we have a hopeless condition met with a remaining ember of hope. The stage is set for faith to act.

B. A Daring Act of Faith (v.44a):

Verse 44 says “she came behind Him, and touched the border of His garment.” She slipped in from behind and touched the fringe of His garment (cf. Num. 15:38). These tassels hung at the hem; typically, one would drape a shawl over the shoulders with one tassel hanging down the back. That’s likely what she reached for, the one dangling behind Him. Why the fringe? Perhaps out of modesty and superstition, modesty because she didn’t want to grab Him, just His clothing to remain unnoticed; superstition in that there was, as I mentioned, an idea about Messiah’s tassels carrying healing (Mal.4:2). Also practically, as a ritually unclean person, she might think, “I shouldn’t touch His body; that would defile Him. But maybe touching His clothes….” She’s trying to get a blessing without being seen, without causing a scene.

Now, some might criticize her theology, it is a bit superstitious thinking the garment itself held power. But let’s focus on what Jesus focuses on: her faith. However mixed with error it is, she believes Jesus is the source of healing and that even the least contact with Him will suffice[18][21]. This is genuine faith in His power and goodness, even if her method is flawed. Friends, sometimes our understanding may be small or even partly incorrect, but if there is a real trust in Jesus’ ability and mercy, He honors that. She said, “I shall be whole,” that’s confidence in Christ! Do we approach Him with such expectancy?

So, she reaches. It’s a furtive touch, maybe just the brief brush of her fingertips against the fringe. From a human perspective, an infinitesimal act. But from the heavenly perspective, it was enormous, it was faith making contact with God’s omnipotence.

Faith pushed her past fear. Don’t let fear rob you of grace—take the step of faith. Perhaps for someone here, that step of faith means trusting God by giving to Faith Promise Missions, even beyond what feels comfortable. Don’t let fear stop you; believe that God will provide and use your sacrificial gift to reach others with the Gospel.

C. A Complete Cure (v.44b):

The result is stated so simply: “and immediately her issue of blood stanched.” The flow stopped at once. The cure was both instantaneous and complete. Mark says she felt in her body that she was healed (Mark 5:29).

The word “stanched” means the blood flow stopped, “stood still.” Interestingly, in Greek it’s the same root as “stood up.” In a way, her life which had been bowed under this infirmity is now standing upright. She’s regained normalcy, the prospect of bearing children perhaps (we don’t know her age, but maybe this condition had caused infertility or marital strife, now that could be restored). The immediate physical application: Jesus is Lord over sickness.There is no disease beyond His ability. Does He always heal immediately on earth? No, according to His sovereign will, sometimes He purposes different timing. But He can. And this miracle is recorded to bolster our faith in His ability to heal. The church is right to pray for healing, because our Lord hasn’t lost an ounce of power; “virtue” is still in Him to heal if it’s His will. Instantly, the bleeding stopped—twelve years ended in a moment by Christ’s power.

Now, think of her plan: she likely thought, “I’ll just quietly touch, get healed, and slip away anonymously.” That was her ideal scenario, no embarrassment, just a private miracle. And indeed, at this moment, she might have started to withdraw, heart pounding with joy and shock, intending to melt back into the crowd. But Jesus has other plans. Thus, the narrative dramatically shifts from the cure to the Confrontation, albeit a loving one. This leads to our second point.

Transition to next point:

In the first movement, we saw faith’s reach and Christ’s power in action, a hidden miracle. But Jesus doesn’t let miracles stay hidden. Now comes an unexpected pause in His urgent mission to Jairus’s house. It’s as if time stands still. A teachable moment is at hand, both for the woman and everyone around. Let’s see what Jesus does and why.

II. The Recognition and Revelation (Luke 8:45–47)

Luke 8:45–47 KJV

45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

A. Jesus’ Question and Peter’s Protest (v.45):

Suddenly, Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched Me?” Peter doesn’t yet grasp that difference.

Now, why does Jesus ask “Who touched Me?” Certainly not for His own information. Jesus stops: “Who touched Me?” Many touched; one did by faith. He asked to draw her into the open. Proximity isn’t the same as faith. Let’s seek Him with expectancy, not mere motions (Heb. 4:2).

So, Jesus asks, and for a moment no one steps up. The woman perhaps is cowering, thinking, “Oh no, I didn’t want to be noticed. I just got what I needed. Why is He calling this out?” Fear perhaps grips her. She remains silent initially. Others deny, “Not me, not me.” The crowd might be perplexed, but Jesus knows someone had a faith-touch.

B. Jesus’ Reason: Power Perceived (v.46):

He continues, clarifying to the disciples: “Somebody hath touched Me, for I perceive that virtue (power) is gone out of Me.” He knew a faith‑touch drew on His power; He would not let the seeker remain hidden. We might imagine it like this: the Father’s will was to heal this woman at that moment; the Son’s spirit felt the faith reaching out; the power of the Spirit went forth, and Jesus knew it.

Why call attention to it? As said, to bring the woman forth and also to teach the crowd. From a theological angle, this shows Jesus isn’t a mere conduit of impersonal power. He’s a personal Savior who knowingly and willingly sharesHis power. He didn’t consciously will this healing at a specific target the way He sometimes did (like commanding “Stretch forth your hand” to the withered hand man). But in a larger sense, He absolutely willed to heal all who touched Him in faith, that was part of His mission (Luke 6:19 notes “for there went virtue out of Him and healed them all” in a generalized way). Here it’s just one-on-one. It corrects any magical notion: It’s not that she “stole” a miracle without His awareness or against His will. No, He approved it, which is why He allows the power to flow and then seeks her out to complete the blessing.

One practical truth for us: Jesus notices the difference between bumping into Him and touching Him with purpose. Our casual prayers versus our fervent, faith-filled prayers, He knows when “virtue” goes forth. It’s not that our emotion forces His hand, but James 5:16 says “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” There is a qualitative difference when our heart genuinely reaches for God. Many people pray perfunctorily or go to church halfheartedly. But when one person truly cries out “Jesus, help me, I believe You can!” heaven takes notice. God perceives that faith. So be encouraged: even if in a crowd or in your family you feel like others are just going through motions, your sincere reach to Jesus will not be ignored.Jesus essentially says here, “I won’t let a seeker go unnoticed.” How beautiful.

C. The Woman’s Confession (v.47):

Realizing she can’t hide, Jesus isn’t letting it go, the woman comes forward. It says, “When the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before Him…” She’s scared. Why trembling? A mix of reverent awe and fear of possible rebuke. She might think, “I, an unclean woman, technically made Him unclean by touching Him, I could be in trouble.” Perhaps she also feels exposed, she wanted anonymity. Now all eyes are on her. Will Jesus be angry? Her experience thus far is that society shuns her. How will this holy Teacher react? Her knees are knocking, heart pounding. Yet, note this, she still comes. She doesn’t slink away or outright flee. Something about Jesus must assure her enough to approach. Perhaps the tone of His question wasn’t angry but earnest and kind. She falls at His feet, an act of deep respect and submission. This is the same posture Jairus had earlier (v.41). Interesting: two very different people, same posture before Jesus, at His feet. Truly the ground is level at the feet of Jesus. Whether a synagogue ruler or a suffering outcast, we all must bow low and look up to Him.

She sees she is not hidden. Trembling, she comes, falls at His feet, and tells before all why she touched Him and how she was healed immediately. Her secret reach becomes a public testimony.

Her confession does two things: it honors Jesus as the source of the miracle and restores her to the fellowship of God’s people. Twelve years apart; now received again. Not proximity but faith made the difference—and faith is not ashamed to speak. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Ps. 107:2).

The scene is set: at Jesus’ feet she waits for His word. What will He say to this trembling daughter?

III. The Response of the Savior (Luke 8:48)

Luke 8:48 KJV

48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

If you underline any verse in this story, underline this one. It contains Jesus’ only direct words to the woman, and they are beautiful: full of grace and truth. Let’s unpack this one sentence as our final point, because it’s loaded with significance.

A. “Daughter, be of good comfort”:

What a surprising and compassionate address! Jesus calls her “Daughter.” This is the only recorded instance in the Gospels of Jesus addressing a woman as daughter. It’s a term of tender endearment and acceptance. Remember, she likely hasn’t heard a kind word from a religious leader or maybe any man in a long time. To be called “Daughter” by the Master is to say, “You are part of my family. You’re not just a case, you’re a child to me.” It also, I think, hints at her faith has made her a true daughter of Abraham (the way Jesus calls the bent woman in Luke 13 “a daughter of Abraham” whom Satan bound).In other words, this is covenant language: she’s included among God’s people by faith. While the synagogue likely cast her out, the Son of God just brought her in.

How this one word must have soothed her soul. She was trembling, He says “be of good comfort,” which is “take heart” or “cheer up.” Essentially, “Don’t be afraid; be encouraged!” It’s the same phrase He told the paralyzed man in Matthew 9:2 (another case of someone burdened for years, then forgiven and healed). Jesus doesn’t want her to fear Him or fret that she did something wrong. He fully wanted to comfort and assure her. Notice, He doesn’t say “Woman” as He sometimes addresses females (like “Woman, great is thy faith”). “Woman” is respectful too, but “Daughter” is more intimate. It’s as if He’s acknowledging her earlier fear and saying, “You have nothing to fear from me. You approached Me as if sneaking a blessing, but I welcome you openly as family.”

Let’s apply: For those trembling in approach to God, maybe you felt ashamed, hear Jesus’ word to this woman as His word to you: “Son/Daughter, take heart.”When we come to Him in faith, He does not scold; He encourages. He is not content with simply zapping a blessing your way; He wants a relationship, to speak comfort to you. He is both mighty God (He healed her) and everlasting Father (He adopts and consoles her) in one moment, fulfilling Isaiah 9:6 in a sense. This should banish any remaining fear she had about defiling Him or being in trouble. It’s pure affirmation. In that single word “Daughter,” Jesus gave her a new identity, no longer “the unclean woman” but a beloved child of God.

B. “Thy faith hath made thee whole”:

Now Jesus highlights the key factor in her healing, her faith. Note, He doesn’t say “My garment,” or even directly “My power,” though of course it was His power. He puts the spotlight on her faith as the instrument. This was for everyone around as much as for her. It’s a public declaration: “Do not attribute this to magic or luck. It was her faith in Me that was the conduit for this cure.” Jesus is making sure she and everyone understands the correct theology: faith, not touch, is what received the blessing[14]. By doing this, He corrects any of her lingering superstition. I imagine at that word, her understanding crystallized: it wasn’t about the clothes after all, it was that I believed in Him.

“Made thee whole” implies not just healing but salvation. Certainly from Jesus’ perspective, her faith in Him brought her into salvation in the fuller sense. We might paraphrase: “Your faith has saved you.” This doesn’t mean faith as some work earned the cure; it means faith was the channel. It was not the quality or size of her faith either, it might have been as small as a mustard seed, albeit it was bold in action, but it was genuine and rightly placed in Christ.

By emphasizing her faith, Jesus is also inviting others: “Jairus, are you listening? Crowd, did you catch that? It’s faith that makes the difference.”This whole delay for Jairus’s sake now comes into sharp focus.

So practically for us: Do we have such faith? Not a faith in garments or formulas, but in Jesus Himself, in His goodness and power. Faith is essentially our heart saying, “Amen” to God’s promise and reaching out to receive it. Is there an area we need to exercise faith? Maybe you’ve prayed but with doubt or resignation. This text is a giant arrow pointing to the necessity and efficacy of faith. Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God”. Conversely, with faith, God’s power can flow mightily in our lives, according to His will and timing, yes, but He loves faith. Often in the Gospels He highlights people’s faith: the centurion, the Canaanite woman, and here, this bleeding woman. Let it be a challenge: strive not for more “touches” of religion, but for a true, trusting connection with Christ daily.

Also, let’s clarify: it was ultimately Jesus’ power that made her whole. Faith itself didn’t heal (like some force); faith was the hand that grabbed the power of Christ. This protects us from the error of making faith a sort of work or magic formula. It’s whom your faith is in that matters. Her faith would have been useless if Jesus wasn’t who He is. But because He is the Son of God with healing in His wings, faith in Him is effective. So “thy faith made thee whole” is shorthand for “thy faith in Me made thee whole (by My power).”

So Jesus acknowledges her faith publicly, which is a form of honor. Think of it: after years of feeling like her faith (prayers to God) maybe went unanswered, now the Messiah Himself validates her faith in front of everyone. That must have been deeply affirming: “God does see and approve my trust!” Jesus essentially lifts her up as an example to all.

C. “Go in peace”:

Finally, Jesus dismisses her with a benediction: literally, “Go into peace.” In Hebrew idiom, “Go in peace” (shalom) was and is a common farewell, but on Jesus’ lips it’s loaded. It’s the same phrase He tells other healed individuals and forgiven sinners (like the woman of Luke 7:50, “go in peace”). It signifies more than just “have a nice day.” Biblically, Peace (shalom) is wholeness, wellness, rightness with God and others. He is effectively saying: “Go from here as one made whole, physically and spiritually, and live in the wholeness and harmony God has given you.” It’s a declaration that her nightmare is over: she can go in peace back to normal life, free from disease, free from social and religious ostracism, free from fear. She has peace with God (implied by being called Daughter) and can enjoy the peace of God in her heart.

Jesus sends her off in peace, signifying she’s fully restored. Also, consider her context: for 12 years she had not had a single day of peace, every day was anxious (Will I ever get better? How will I pay for another treatment? Am I offending God? etc.) Now He sends her off into peace.

Imagine her walking home. The sun probably never felt so warm, the sky so blue. For the first time in 12 years, she’s not worried about hemorrhaging or impurity. She’s planning perhaps to go see the priest to be declared clean (per Lev. 15:28-30, she’d offer two pigeons as a cleansing ritual). She can embrace family again. She can attend synagogue again. And beyond all that, she has met the Messiah – personally!

Invitation (Conclusion):

So what does her story say to us as we conclude? Simply this: We all have an “issue of blood,” a flow of sin and brokenness that no human remedy can staunch. Only Jesus can save us. But we must respond as she did: with desperate, determined faith. Are we willing to reach out and touch Him? Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” This woman’s whole heart, and body, were in that act of seeking. If you have never truly encountered Jesus’ saving power, today is the day. Don’t be content to be part of the curious crowd around Jesus. Step forward in faith. Perhaps you identify with her shame and isolation. Maybe you’ve thought, “God wouldn’t want someone as messed up as me.” Hear Jesus calling you “Son, Daughter.” He went to the cross to take your uncleanness and give you His cleanness, much like He took on the defilement of our sin and imparted righteousness to us. On the cross, you might say, virtue went out of Him, He gave His very life so that by faith we might be made whole. Three days later, He rose, proving that infinite power of life is in Him. Now He offers wholeness, forgiveness of sins, peace with God, eternal life, to whoever will reach out in faith.

So, I invite you: if you need to touch Jesus, the altar of prayer is open. Come, like that woman, maybe trembling, that’s okay, and lay your burden before Him. If you need salvation, come forward and we’ll pray with you to trust Christ. If you’re burdened by a longstanding trial, come seek Him afresh. If you simply have grown a bit distant, come renew that intimate contact of faith. Jesus is passing by this morning, and He’s never too busy to stop for the one who reaches out. One touch of His hand can change everything. He’s calling someone “Daughter… Son… your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Let’s respond to Him.

Conclusion

& Gospel Appeal:

Proximity is not enough; personal faith is essential. The crowd pressed Jesus physically; one woman touched Him spiritually and was transformed. Only Jesus can staunch our deeper “issue”—sin. Come as she did: desperate, determined, believing. If you need Christ’s salvation, call on Him now; if you need His help, reach again by faith. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Rom. 5:1).

As we focus on Faith Promise Missions Month, consider how the same power that saved this woman is at work worldwide—and how He calls us to step out in faith so others can experience His saving touch. If the Lord is stirring your heart, don’t stay hidden in the crowd. Come, and respond.

(Invitation music begins softly)

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, we marvel at Your grace and power. Thank You for caring for the least and the lost. Thank You that by Your wounds we are healed and by faith we receive salvation. Please draw those today who need Your touch. Give courage to the trembling and faith to the fearful. May each of us encounter You personally and go in peace, restored and rejoicing. In Your precious Name we pray, Amen.[34]

[1] [30] [32] [33] The Spurgeon Library | Cured at Last!

https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/cured-at-last/

[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [9] [12] [14] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [34] [35] [39] Luke 8:43 Commentaries: And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone,

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/luke/8-43.htm

[8] [11] [13] [37] Sorenson, David_Understanding the Bible, Volume 08, Matthew - Luke.pdf

https://netorgft3038877-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jwalker_fbcwestminster_com/Documents/iBooks%20Library%20Project/Sources/Sorenson,%20David_Understanding%20the%20Bible,%20Volume%2008,%20Matthew%20-%20Luke.pdf

[10] [15] [16] [17] [31] [36] [38] [43] [46] What is the significance of the woman touching the hem of Jesus' garment when Jesus felt the power run out of him to heal her?

https://ebible.com/questions/17033-what-is-the-significance-of-the-woman-touching-the-hem-of-jesus-garment-when-jesus-felt-the-power-run-out-of-him-to-heal-her?highlight_komment_id=0&question_id=17033

[40] [45] Luke 8.9-15_Exegetical Analysis.docx

https://netorgft3038877-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jwalker_fbcwestminster_com/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BD6900B81-BB96-4A4C-B43A-EE444B2A46B8%7D&file=Luke%208.9-15_Exegetical%20Analysis.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true

[41] [42] [44] [47] PNT - KJV - Luke.docx

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