Deliverance of a marked woman

Introduction

We al know somebody who has suffered or still suffers from some kind of illness, or maybe you go through medical challenges yourself. You will find that this often has significant impact on the lives of those who suffer and those around them.

Sometimes these conditions require surgery or some other treatment in order to be cured. Others can be managed with medication but are not likely to be completely cured and can continue to bother us for a long time.

There are also diseases that have such an impact that it renders those who are afflicted by it immobile. Think for instance of people that end up in a wheelchair or in bed for the rest of their lives.

Finally, there are those diseases that can very well lead to death and are feared by all of us. But, whatever the condition, it often comes with anxiety regarding the unknown and peoples’ response is to consult a physician in order to find a solution for the ordeal. That is a good and natural response, and we may be grateful to God for the blessings we receive through healthcare. We remember those suffer in our prayers and rejoice when someone receives the news that they are cured or clean.

However, it can happen that the doctor speaks the words: “I’m sorry, but there is nothing more we can do, we are out of options”. A devastating message that speaks of an approaching death or lifelong suffering.

This last option was also the case with the woman we read about in our Scripture portion. A woman, who suddenly appears amid another situation, that of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who’s 12-year-old daughter is on her deathbed. As we read the whole part, we saw that the story started with Jairus and his daughter and ended with it, but there was that interruption that we address today: The woman with the issue of blood.

We read about her in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. I’ve chosen to read from Mark instead of Matthew or Luke, because it gives us the most information.

One thing that none of the three Gospels mention is her name. However, when I was preparing this message, I found several publications that would identify her as Veronica in the Apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus who was later venerated in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox as well as in the Anglican Communion.  The Gospels we find in our Bibles do not mention any of this, but still, they give us enough information for our time this morning.

Our theme for today is:

The deliverance of a marked woman

And we will consider two points:

1. Actions and response.

2. Comforts for us today.

Actions and response

Before we look at the woman’s actions, let us first determine what we do know about her by looking at the three Gospels:

We know that she was a woman who had been suffering from a condition called a flow of blood. Matthew would call it an issue of blood. Scholars have tried to figure out what this condition exactly was, and a few options have been brought forward, but what we do know for sure is that it was a continuous affliction, and it had already been going on for 12 years.

This is of importance to know, because according to Jewish law, she would be considered “Niddah”, or a menstruating woman and therefore she was unclean. You can read about that in Lev. 15: 25-27

Leviticus 15:25–27 NKJV

25 ‘If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean. 26 Every bed on which she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her impurity; and whatever she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her impurity. 27 Whoever touches those things shall be unclean; he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.

And Lev. 20:18

Leviticus 20:18 NKJV

18 If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has exposed her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from their people.

She would be prohibited from having intimate or sexual relations with her husband. Unfit for marriage if she was still single and in case she was married, there would be cause for divorce. According to the Jewish laws of those days.

Also, because of her uncleanness, she wasn’t allowed to enter the temple or synagogue, unable to worship with the congregation, and therefore no fellowship with other believers.

She would be isolated, lonely. The only way for her to be declared clean, was to wait 7 days after the bleeding ended and then at the 8th day present 2 doves or pigeons to the priest to make atonement. But the bleeding didn’t end, for this woman it was already 12 years of suffering and there was no end in sight, as we learn from her actions.

What were her actions?

First, she had been searching for a cure by consulting many doctors, who had tried many different treatments. Instead of benefitting from the treatments, she only got worse. This has been made clear to us in Mark 5:26

Mark 5:26 NKJV

26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

She spent all that she had. After that, no benefits, no money, no cure, only more suffering and ……………… left to herself. Not welcome in the community, no perspective for the future. Just herself, with her affliction.

Knowing her unclean state, we understand that she was taking a great risk by showing up in the crowd that followed Jesus. And we can easily imagine, that just like Jesus was bumping into many people, so did she. Rendering them all unclean according to Jewish law.

But she was desperate, since no hope was left. Nor she or anybody else could help her…………. but then there was Jesus. Jesus who had been performing miracles of healing. Of course, she must have heard about that. If He could cure others, why not her? She had nothing to lose, only to win. A decision was made. She mingled with the crowd, and she touched His garment………. And then we are told in Mark 5:29

Mark 5:29 NKJV

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

After this the woman intended to slip away in the crowd and stay unnoticed.

Let’s stop here for a moment, to take a short side track. People have used the differences in the three Gospels to point out inconsistency in Scripture, also in this case claiming contradiction because in Matthew the woman was healed after Jesus turned around, while Mark and Luke talk about healing before Jesus turned around.

When we read the three Gospels carefully, we see that assuming inconsistency is incorrect. All three Gospels agree that the woman was declared well or “whole” by Jesus after He turned around. The difference in Matthew is simply that there is no mention of the woman experiencing her bleeding coming to a halt when she touched the garment, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. We look here at the same story from different viewpoints. Instead of contradicting each other, they complete each other. Just a simple example:

My and I walk through the Mall, and we see a couple named Oliver and Judy there as well. We take time for a chat and after some 20 minutes we continue our ways. Next day I run into a mutual friend and I mention to him that I saw Oliver the other day and that we had a nice chat about renovations and music. My wife sees another woman at church and says that she saw Judy and her husband at the mall, near the food court. So, they had coffee and a chat. Judy had told that her leg was bothering her and that they were planning a holiday to Hawaii, so they were looking for a nice Aloha shirt for Oliver. Oh, and by the way……. Judy had new haircut. Looked quite good on her.

One situation, two different witness accounts. No contradictions but completing each other. The Bible has several examples like that as well. Therefore, it is good to look further when you study your Bibles. Not just taking a text as it is, but cross reference to get a clear understanding of what is being taught.

Since I gave in to the temptation of side tracks, here’s another one.

John McEvilly, an Irish Roman Catholic clergy man from the late 19th century, writes in his Gospel commentaries: “Given that the woman was cured when she touched the hem of the garment, supports the doctrine of the efficacy of relics, that is that physical objects can have divine power in them. ” You would think that he would understand that when Mark 5:30 says that He, Jesus, knew that power had gone out of Him, that this means what it says: “Out of Him”, not “out of His garment”. To use this passage as a defence of this specific doctrine is quite farfetched, however it shows how easily things can be misinterpreted. Again, careful reading is essential. Take your time when you study your Bibles.

Enough side tracks for now.

I mentioned earlier that the lady intended to remain unnoticed, but the Lord Jesus had other plans.

One might expect the Lord Jesus to rebuke the woman for her disobedience of the law by being in public gathering, touching people and especially touching Him, while she is in this unclean state, therefore making Him unclean. And as we might expect that to happen, so did the woman when she was exposed.

But He didn’t rebuke her. No, instead of rebuking her, after He turned around, He gave her time to tell her story. To open up completely and tell Him of her suffering, her uncleanness and how she had just one hope left. Her hope in Jesus. And what did the Lord Jesus do? Verse 34 tells us: He called her “daughter”. Do you see that? “Daughter”. She was part of His family, showing her the tender love and compassion of a father to his child. “Daughter, your faith has made you well”. The King James would translate “has made you whole”, Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

Wasn’t she healed already, when she touched His garment? Yes, she was as Mark 5:29 tells us. And in both verse 29 and 34 the same Greek word for healing is used. However, Jesus confirms it here, and He adds to it in order to make known the full extent of this healing. Not just the blood issue, but also her spiritual issue. Out loud, as an extra confirmation for the woman, but also as a message to the crowd. Jesus’ miracle, by the woman meant to be a secret, was made public by the Lord. So that people would know that He was who He claimed to be and to show the people that His healing would be complete. Taking away all afflictions. Not only was she just healed from her physical suffering, but also from her spiritual affliction as she became a forgiven daughter. First marked as unclean, now marked a cleansed child of God.

Here we have a story that took place some 2000 years ago, but what does it have to say to us for our lives today? Let’s look at our second point.

Comforts for today

The Holy Spirit inspired the writers to include this event in the Gospels and we read in 2 Tim 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Verse 16 says: “All Scripture”. That includes this narrative as well. When we read about the unclean state of this woman, not worthy to be part of society, no place in the temple, couldn’t it be that this uncleanness clings to us as well? Since we, by nature, are separated from God’s society? You and me, tainted by sin, unworthy and in desperate need of a cure, because without it our only destiny will be death? Outside of God, not being a son or a daughter. What a terrible future that would be. But in His mercy God has ordained a cure for our affliction………. Jesus!

Just as He was the only hope for the woman then, so He also is the only hope for you, me and everybody we meet in our daily walk today. Therefore, His Gospel message must be promoted to all nations, for His glory and the salvation of sinners. Have you pursued this cure or are you pursuing this cure? As church-going people you might be a bit offended by this question, because you’re here and that should be a clear indication, right?

But it’s still a fair question, isn’t it? Like the woman in our text pursued many physicians for her cure so people often pursue all kinds of solutions for their issues. And honestly, doesn’t that apply to us as well? It does to me. By the way, I am not trying to rebuke those of us who seek medical attention for their illnesses, please do so, but how often is it that God is initially forgotten or ignored when it comes to our issues in life? That God comes to mind when all other avenues have turned out to be dead ends?

I’ve been in several situations in which I wondered how I would solve this or that. And pay special attention to the word “I”. As I had to solve, I had to be resourceful, I had to use my talents. And yes, I had and have my responsibilities, but it becomes worrisome when the only solution I can think of is “I”. And by the time God came to mind and prayer was offered, it didn’t solve issues right away, but it gave peace and therefore the mind clouded by worries released much of the fog and the path to go forward became clearer.

So let us try to remember when we run into issues that give us worries and anxiety that God wants to be involved in those parts of our lives too. And as much as He wants to be involved in the carnal matters of our lives, how much more would that apply to the spiritual matters of our lives?

As I mentioned before, we are all afflicted by sin and if that would be still a matter of doubt, then read Romans chapter three, just to find out that we all, by nature, are in a hopeless condition. All that earthly hopes can say to us, is: “Sorry, but there is nothing we can do”. But like it was with the woman, so it is with us: The cure is in Jesus. And as He was there for this woman, likewise He wants to be there for you and me.

But often in spiritual matters human beings run into the same issue as they do with earthly matters, don’t they? We like to fix ourselves. And that is just plain pride. The way this shows itself is quite diverse.

I grew up in an environment where hyper Calvinism was more rule than exception. People continuously struggling with the assurance of salvation. Do these people go to church, do they read their Bibles, and do they believe that Jesus is the second person of the trinity, the Saviour? Sure, they do. But the issue is that they think they can’t apply that salvation to themselves. Because they think themselves to be unworthy of this salvation. And so they are, just like you and me, by nature are unworthy. They believe that before God is willing to save them, something in them must change first. And they also think that the one who must work this change is themselves. And that is the problem, isn’t it? Seeking the cure in themselves.

And hearing this, we may say: “How can they?”, but when we think about it, how often aren’t we doing the same, by doing stuff to make ourselves more acceptable or judge the acceptability of others? In all these cases, the narrative in our Scripture reading provides us with several comforts:

The woman in our reading knew she was unworthy, unclean, rejected by her society. But when she thought everybody was against her, she learned that Jesus was for her. And maybe you are sitting here thinking that there is no place for you, because of what you’ve done, ignored to do, or because of what you said. But………… with Jesus there is place. According to Mark 2:17 He didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners. And as it was then, so it is today, He still is after that which is lost. So, stop searching for solutions in yourself as they will only lead to failure. But bring it all before Him, confess and repent. Look unto Jesus and put your trust in Him, as the woman did.

Isn’t He the one who says in Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Then, my friend, take this call at heart and act upon it. Jesus calls for you Himself.

Maybe you think that Jesus is too busy to be bothered with you.

Isn’t then our reading the perfect example of how wrong that assumption is?

Here we see Christ approached by Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue. Well, by human standards he was more worthy of Jesus’ attention than the woman was. Just imagine that the woman would have acted or not acted upon that same assumption. Jesus, on His way to Jairus home in order to help his sick daughter, didn’t think that way. No, He knew that power had gone out of Him. Do you really think that happened outside of His will? An unexpected event? Of course not! And in either case, Jesus could have continued His journey without delay. The lady was cured, so why loose time over it?

But no! He stopped and took time. He is never too busy for those who earnestly seek Him in their affliction. And if that is you, then don’t be afraid that you may show up at an inconvenient moment. As he took time for this lady, so He will give your case his undivided attention.

What about Jairus? Wasn’t he annoyed by it all? He might, but Scripture doesn’t tell us. But can you imagine the comfort offered here to Jairus? In his desperation he witnessed this miracle bestowed upon this desperate woman. He was given a first-hand experience of Christ’s power. What a comfort for him then, but also for us, as this power is still a reality today.

And now back to the woman again. Jesus turned around and she was exposed. The pain, the shame, the fear, the humiliation. I am sure we all can relate to that. Nobody likes to have their failures or wrongdoings exposed. Many can relate to how difficult it is to open up completely even in personal prayer. Just think of being exposed in public. Horrible, isn’t it? And still, that was what happened to this lady. And it isn’t difficult to imagine the thoughts of the people who were present. But in the end that isn’t what matters. Eventually it’s Jesus who matters. This makes me think of a message presented by Pastor Alistair Begg from “Truth for Life Ministries”. I saw it on YouTube and some of you may have seen it as well.

He spoke about the thief on the cross. While he was crucified, he mocked the Lord, he likely never attended a Bible study or church service in his life and still: He made it! And when he shows up at heaven’s gate, the angels try to figure out how it was possible that this man came to enter heaven.

And when no satisfying answer can be found, the angel overcome with frustration asks: “On what basis are you here?” And the thief answers: “Because the Man on the middle cross said I could come”.

That’s it, isn’t it? That’s what matters. The Man on the middle cross. Not what others think, not what others do, not what you think or what you do……. The Man on the middle cross. Jesus…….. and that same Jesus said to the woman: “Daughter, your faith has made you whole. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.

And He would say it to you and to me as well, if we come to Him by faith with our empty hands: “Son/daughter, your faith has made you whole. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.

That’s why he had to go to the cross, where His blood was shed and where He said: “It is finished” and then gave up the ghost. Was buried and on the third day rose again. So, we do not have to continue in our affliction and die in our sins. But that you and I could be healed and live. Live with Him in eternity. No more tears, no more pain, no more sin.

If that’s your hope, then live your lives to His glory. But if you do not have this hope, if you are still searching….. then listen to this call: Look at the man on the middle cross, see His outstretched hands…. Come to Him and believe in Him and repent from your sins, so you also may say: “The Man on the middle cross said I could come.”

Let us pray:

Most holy, good doing, eternal God. Creator of heaven and earth. Who holds the past, present and future in your hands. To you we come today, knowing that there is no one greater than you, no one more loving than you, no-one else to go to.

We thank you for leading us here today. We thank you for your word that we reflected upon. The word in which you reveal yourself to us. In which you show us, what you’ve done to this woman we spoke about. Lord, teach us that what you did for this woman so long ago, you still do today for people like us. And if there are people amongst us struggling with their afflictions today, both bodily and spiritually, then come and show yourself for who you are, that they also may receive the courage to lay it all before you, to leave their burden at the foot of the cross. And if we think we are fine, and that the message of today does not apply to us, please grant an evaluating spirit so we all may realize that we all, in life and death, bodily and spiritually, depend on you alone and pull us all close to yourself.

As we pray this for ourselves, we ask you to extend this upon all those who are far away from you, either they are close to us or distant, because all of us stand in need of you, Lord.

Now we are approaching the end of this service, we ask you to be the after preacher, filtering out all the errors in the words spoken today and storing the right things in our hearts. Be with us as we leave this place and keep us in the week ahead, shine your face upon us Lord, and give us your peace. We pray it all in the forgiveness of our sins. In Jesus name.

Amen