Mark 5:28

Mark 5:28 captures a pivotal moment of profound faith, revealing the inner conviction of a woman who had suffered for twelve long years with a debilitating hemorrhage. Her words encapsulate a desperate hope and a deep trust in Jesus Christ's divine power.

Context

This verse is found within the narrative of Jesus' journey to heal Jairus's daughter. While en route, He is surrounded by a large crowd. Among them is a woman who, according to Mark 5:25-27, had endured a chronic bleeding condition, spent all her money on doctors, and grown worse rather than better. Her physical ailment would have also rendered her ritually unclean under Mosaic Law, isolating her from society and religious life (Leviticus 15:25-27). This verse expresses her singular, last-ditch effort born out of utter desperation and a glimmer of hope.

Key Themes

• Unwavering Faith: The woman's statement, "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole," demonstrates an extraordinary and simple faith. She believed that even the hem of Jesus' garment carried His healing power, requiring only minimal contact to receive a miracle. This is a powerful illustration of the substance of things hoped for.
• Desperation and Hope: After years of suffering and failed remedies, her hope was entirely placed in Jesus. This act was not a casual attempt but a desperate, final reach for deliverance.
• Jesus' Accessible Power: The verse highlights the boundless and accessible power of Jesus. It was not limited to direct command or touch but could flow from Him and be received through faith, even from afar or through His clothing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "whole" in this context comes from the Greek word sōzō (σώζω), which often means "to save," "to preserve," or "to make well." Here, it signifies not just physical healing but a complete restoration, a return to full health and possibly even a spiritual sense of salvation or deliverance from her long plight. Her desire was for ultimate well-being, not merely a temporary cessation of symptoms.

Significance and Application

The woman's quiet, determined act of faith in Mark 5:28 is profoundly significant. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

• Faith is Honored: Jesus recognized and honored her faith, even though it was expressed in a seemingly unconventional and clandestine manner. Her belief was the conduit for His power. Her healing was immediate and complete, as described in Mark 5:29.
• Approach Jesus with Boldness: Despite her ritual impurity and the crowd, she pressed through, demonstrating a spiritual boldness born of necessity and belief.
• Jesus' Compassion: While her faith drew the power, Jesus' compassion led Him to acknowledge her publicly, confirming her healing and declaring, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole" (Mark 5:34). This affirms that true faith is always seen and celebrated by God.
• Hope for the Suffering: This account offers immense hope to those suffering from chronic conditions or long-term struggles, reminding them that Jesus is able to bring complete healing and restoration, even when all other avenues have failed.

Mark 5:28 serves as a timeless reminder that genuine faith, no matter how small or desperate, can tap into the limitless power of Christ to bring about profound transformation and healing.