Mark 5:27-28
She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' power. The woman's belief that merely touching his garment would cure her reveals a superstition, as if his healing power were a magical contagion rather than a gift flowing from his conscious will and grace.
Jesus has just finished casting a legion of demons out of a man, and as He returns by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathers, eager to see Him. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose daughter is gravely ill, and he humbly pleads with Jesus to come and heal her. As Jesus, accompanied by Jairus and a throng of people, makes his way to the man's home, a desperate woman who has suffered for years from a hemorrhage sees her chance to seek healing.
This woman's healing wasn't accidental. It began with something she heard and led to a bold action.
The story of the woman with the issue of blood begins with her hearing about Jesus. This wasn't passive listening; it was information that sparked a response. She took what she learned and put it into action, even in the midst of a massive crowd.
In a crush of people, she sought a private touch. What does this tell us about her faith and Jesus' power?
The scene is chaotic – a 'press' or crowd is thronging Jesus. Yet, amidst this press, this woman finds a way to connect. Her action is described as coming 'behind him in the crowd.'
Understand the original words
himation · Greek Noun
Refers to the outer clothing or cloak of a person. In this context, it symbolizes the person of Jesus and his accessible holiness, often associated with the 'fringes' or 'tassel' of the garment in Jewish law.
sōzō · Greek Verb
To be saved, delivered, or restored to wholeness. Biblically, it encompasses physical healing, spiritual salvation, and restoration to a right relationship with God.
This encounter occurred during Jesus' intense public ministry in Galilee, a period marked by his growing fame, which brought both eager crowds and opposition, highlighting the desperate measures people took to seek his help amidst the surrounding tensions.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, marked by teaching, healing, and miracles, drawing large crowds and gaining renown throughout the region.
c. AD 28
Growing Popularity and Opposition
As Jesus' fame spread, so did opposition from religious authorities. This created a tense atmosphere in many towns and villages where he ministered.
c. AD 28
Jairus Seeks Jesus' Help
Jairus, a synagogue ruler, desperately sought Jesus to heal his dying daughter, demonstrating the reach of Jesus' reputation even among respected leaders.
This passage describes the same woman's act of faith, emphasizing her internal thought process and her belief that merely touching Jesus's cloak would bring healing.
Luke 8:43Luke's account also details the woman's twelve-year affliction and her desperate, costly attempts to find healing from physicians before turning to Jesus.
Exodus 28:3The Old Testament describes the tassels or fringes on the garments of Israelite men as a reminder of God's commands, suggesting the 'garment' touched here held symbolic importance.
Acts 19:11Later in the New Testament, even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul carried healing power, showing a parallel where a physical object connected to a man of God conveyed divine power.
Hebrews 4:15This verse speaks to Jesus's perfect empathy, having been tempted in every way, which would have made him approachable even for someone like this woman, who likely felt deep shame and unworthiness.
pooleMark 5:27: "When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment."
See Poole on "Mr 5:25"
calvinMark 5:22-34: "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,"
- While he was speaking these things to them, a certain ruler came, and worshipped him, [526] saying, My daughter is now dead; but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she will live. 19. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and likewise his disciples, 20. And, lo, a woman, who had been afflicted with a bloody flux for twelve years came behind him, and touched th…
This verse highlights a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' power. The woman's belief that merely touching his garment would cure her reveals a superstition, as if his healing power were a magical contagion rather than a gift flowing from his conscious will and grace.
Jesus has just finished casting a legion of demons out of a man, and as He returns by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathers, eager to see Him. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose daughter is gravely ill, and he humbly pleads with Jesus to come and heal her. As Jesus, accompanied by Jairus and a throng of people, makes his way to the man's home, a desperate woman who has suffered for years from a hemorrhage sees her chance to seek healing.
Jesus has just finished casting a legion of demons out of a man, and as He returns by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathers, eager to see Him. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose daughter is gravely ill, and he humbly pleads with Jesus to come and heal her. As Jesus, accompanied by Jairus and a throng of people, makes his way to the man's home, a desperate woman who has suffered for years from a hemorrhage sees her chance to seek healing.
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"She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”" — This verse highlights a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' power. The woman's belief that merely touching his garment would cure her reveals a superstition, as if his healing power were a magical co…
