Mark 5:32

Mark 5:32 finds Jesus in the midst of a crowd, having just performed a miraculous healing without direct physical contact or verbal command. This verse is part of the larger narrative of the woman who had suffered from a debilitating issue of blood for twelve years.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, a woman suffering from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years, having spent all her money on physicians and grown worse, touched the hem of Jesus' garment in faith (Mark 5:27). She believed that simply touching His clothes would heal her. Instantly, she was made whole. Jesus, feeling power go out of Him, turned around and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5:30). His disciples, bewildered by the question in such a throng, questioned His inquiry. Yet, Jesus persisted in looking for the person, demonstrating His intentionality to find the one He had healed.

Key Themes

• Divine Awareness and Intentionality: Jesus was not merely a passive conduit of power. He consciously felt the power leave Him and deliberately sought out the individual who had received it. This highlights His divine omniscience and active engagement with those He healed. He wanted to acknowledge the woman's faith and affirm her healing publicly.
• The Significance of Faith: While the touch was physical, it was the woman's underlying faith that drew the power from Jesus. He didn't want her to remain anonymous, but to understand that her healing was a direct result of her faith, not just a magical interaction. This public affirmation would have been crucial for her, especially given the social ostracization associated with her condition under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:25).
• Compassion and Relationship: Jesus' search was not for condemnation or exposure, but for connection and blessing. He wanted to speak to her directly, to offer peace, and to confirm her healing, transforming a furtive act into a personal encounter. This reveals His deep compassion and desire for a relationship with those He ministers to.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "looked round about" is περιεβλέπετο (perieblepeto), which is an imperfect tense verb, suggesting a continuous or repeated action. It implies a deliberate, searching gaze, not a casual glance. Jesus was actively scanning the crowd, intently looking for the one who had touched Him and received healing. This emphasizes His earnest desire to identify and interact with the woman.

Practical Application

Mark 5:32 reminds us that God is not distant or unaware of our struggles. Even when we approach Him secretly, perhaps feeling unworthy or desperate, He notices. He desires a personal connection, not just to grant our requests, but to affirm our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. We are invited to step out of the shadows, acknowledge His work in our lives, and receive His full peace and blessing, just as the woman did when she finally revealed herself (Mark 5:33).