Faith That Transforms: The Power of a Touch

 

Summary

Today, we reflected on the story of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5, a woman who, after twelve years of suffering, reached out in desperate faith to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Her story is not just about physical healing, but about the power of faith to move the heart of God, even when every other solution has failed. We considered how her condition left her isolated, judged, and cut off from community and worship, yet her faith compelled her to risk everything for a single touch from Jesus.

This woman’s journey mirrors our own struggles—when we’ve tried every remedy the world offers, from self-help to success, and still find ourselves empty or broken. The world’s solutions often leave us worse off, but a little bit of Jesus changes everything. Faith, even as small as a seed, is God’s gift to every person, and it is that faith which draws His power into our lives. Sometimes, we only reach for Jesus after exhausting all other options, but when we do, He meets us with compassion, not condemnation.

We also looked at the broader context of Mark 5, where others in impossible situations—like the demon-possessed man and Jairus, the desperate father—found hope and transformation through Jesus. Their stories, like the woman’s, remind us that no situation is too hopeless for God. Jesus is not just a healer of bodies, but a restorer of souls, calling us sons and daughters, inviting us into His family, and offering us peace that goes beyond physical healing.

The heart of God is not just to meet our immediate needs, but to bring us into wholeness—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He wants us to know that we are accepted, loved, and called His own. The invitation is to come boldly, to risk everything, to bring our pain, shame, and fear to Him, and to let faith move us to action. One touch of faith can change everything, turning a little bit of Jesus into a whole new life.

Key Takeaways

- Faith is born in desperation and grows when we reach beyond our comfort, risking everything to touch Jesus. The woman’s faith was not passive; it moved her to action despite fear, shame, and the risk of rejection. True faith dares to push past obstacles, believing that even a little bit of Jesus is enough to change everything. [01:05:51]

- The world offers many remedies for our pain—success, pleasure, entertainment, even religion—but none can heal the soul like Jesus. When every door is shut and every hope seems gone, Christ remains the one true physician who can bring real and lasting healing. Our deepest needs are met not by what we do, but by who we reach for. [55:34]

- God’s compassion is greater than our shame or our past. The woman expected rebuke, but Jesus called her “daughter,” restoring her dignity and identity. In Christ, we are not defined by our failures or our suffering, but by His acceptance and love, which welcomes us into His family. [01:17:56]

- Physical healing, while miraculous, is temporary; the greater miracle is spiritual restoration and adoption as sons and daughters of God. Jesus’ ultimate gift is not just relief from suffering, but the promise of eternal belonging and peace. Our wholeness in Him is everlasting, surpassing any temporary relief the world can offer. [01:18:59]

- Faith is a gift given to every person—a seed that, when activated, draws the power of God into our lives. Even if we come to Jesus last, after trying everything else, He responds to the smallest touch of faith with compassion and power. The invitation is always open: come boldly, bring everything, and let faith move the heart of God. [44:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:51] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[35:07] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[38:05] - Impossible Situations in Mark 5
[39:24] - The Power of Testimony
[40:09] - The Demon-Possessed Man and Jairus
[41:00] - Faith That Moves Mountains
[43:28] - When All Else Fails, Try Jesus
[46:52] - “A Little More Jesus” Song Reflection
[48:14] - The Woman’s Desperate Condition
[49:35] - Social and Spiritual Isolation
[51:49] - Failed Remedies and Desperation
[55:34] - The Soul’s Sickness and Worldly Solutions
[01:00:37] - Faith Born from Hearing
[01:05:51] - Faith in Action: Pushing Through
[01:09:20] - Obstacles to Faith: Pride, Urgency, and Self-Worth
[01:11:07] - The Moment of Healing
[01:13:01] - Jesus Responds to Faith
[01:14:18] - Moving the Heart of God
[01:16:18] - Telling Jesus Everything
[01:17:56] - Jesus Calls Her “Daughter”
[01:18:59] - Everlasting Wholeness
[01:20:45] - The Greater Invitation
[01:21:58] - From a Little to a Whole Lot of Jesus
[01:22:58] - Invitation to Respond
[01:24:28] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5)

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### Bible Reading

Mark 5:21–34 (ESV)

> 21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
> 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

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### Observation Questions

1. What details do we learn about the woman’s condition and her life situation from Mark 5:25–26?
2. According to the sermon, what were some of the remedies the woman tried before coming to Jesus, and what was the result? ([51:49])
3. How did Jesus respond to the woman after she touched his garment, and what did he call her? ([01:17:56])
4. What other impossible situations are mentioned in Mark 5, and how did Jesus respond to them? ([40:09])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the woman risked everything to reach out and touch Jesus, even though she could have faced rejection or punishment? ([01:05:51])
2. The sermon says that faith is often born in desperation. How does the woman’s story show this, and what does it teach us about the nature of faith? ([44:57])
3. Jesus called the woman “daughter” after she confessed everything. What is the significance of this title, and how does it relate to her identity and restoration? ([01:17:56])
4. The sermon mentions that physical healing is temporary, but spiritual restoration is eternal. What does this mean for how we view miracles and God’s work in our lives? ([01:18:59])

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### Application Questions

1. The woman tried every remedy the world offered before coming to Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you have tried everything else before turning to God? What keeps you from coming to Jesus first? ([44:57])
2. The woman’s faith moved her to action, even though she was afraid and ashamed. Is there something in your life right now that you feel too ashamed or afraid to bring to Jesus? What would it look like to risk everything and reach out to Him? ([01:05:51])
3. The sermon talked about how the world offers many “doctors” for our pain—success, pleasure, entertainment, even religion—but only Jesus can heal the soul. What “remedies” do you tend to turn to when you’re hurting, and how can you shift your focus to Jesus? ([55:34])
4. Jesus responded to the woman’s faith with compassion, not condemnation. Do you ever expect God to rebuke you for your past or your struggles? How does knowing He calls you “son” or “daughter” change the way you approach Him? ([01:17:56])
5. The sermon said that faith is a gift given to every person—a seed that, when activated, draws the power of God into our lives. What is one small step of faith you can take this week to reach out to Jesus in a specific area of need? ([44:57])
6. The woman told Jesus “everything.” Is there something you need to be honest with God about today? What would it look like to bring your whole truth to Him in prayer? ([01:16:18])
7. The heart of God is to bring us into wholeness—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Where do you most need God’s wholeness in your life right now, and how can your small group support you in seeking it? ([01:18:59])

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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for the courage to reach out to Jesus with their needs, to trust His compassion, and to receive His wholeness—spirit, soul, and body.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith That Reaches for Jesus Changes Everything
When all hope seemed lost, the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd, risking everything to reach out and touch Jesus’ robe. Her faith was not passive; it moved her to action despite fear, shame, and years of disappointment. She believed that even a small touch could bring healing, and her desperate faith drew the power of God into her life. No matter how many remedies or solutions have failed, one touch of faith in Jesus can change everything. [35:07]

Mark 5:25-34 (ESV)
And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 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.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel desperate or hopeless? What would it look like for you to reach out to Jesus in faith today, even if it means risking your comfort or pride?


Day 2: Jesus Welcomes the Outcast and Calls Us Family
The woman was considered unclean, isolated from her community, and judged by others, yet Jesus did not rebuke her or turn her away. Instead, He called her “daughter,” restoring her dignity and declaring her part of God’s family. No matter how rejected or unworthy you may feel, Jesus sees you, welcomes you, and calls you His own. His heart is to bring you into belonging, not to push you away. [01:17:56]

Galatians 4:7 (ESV)
So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you feel like an outsider or unworthy of God’s love? How does knowing Jesus calls you “son” or “daughter” change the way you see yourself today?


Day 3: Faith Grows by Hearing Testimonies and God’s Word
The woman’s faith was sparked when she heard about Jesus—about His miracles, His compassion, and His power to heal. Testimonies and the Word of God plant seeds of faith in our hearts, reminding us that what God has done for others, He can do for us. When you listen to stories of God’s faithfulness or read His promises, your faith is strengthened to believe for your own breakthrough. [01:00:37]

Romans 10:17 (ESV)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Reflection: Who can you listen to or what testimony can you seek out today that will encourage your faith? How can you share your own story to help someone else believe?


Day 4: Jesus Offers More Than Physical Healing—He Heals the Whole Person
While the woman received physical healing, Jesus’ work in her life went deeper—He restored her emotionally and spiritually, giving her peace and wholeness. Physical healing is temporary, but the salvation and acceptance Jesus offers is everlasting. He wants to heal every part of you, not just your body, but your soul and spirit as well. [01:20:45]

Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Reflection: What area of your life—body, mind, or spirit—do you need Jesus to heal today? Will you invite Him to bring His wholeness to every part of you, not just the obvious needs?


Day 5: Move Past Barriers and Touch Jesus by Faith
Many people crowded around Jesus, but only one touched Him in faith and received power. Barriers like fear, pride, unbelief, or a lack of urgency can keep us from truly reaching out to Jesus. But when you push past those obstacles and come boldly, even with trembling, Jesus responds with compassion and power. Don’t just brush past Him—move toward Him with your need and your faith. [01:14:18]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: What is one barrier—fear, pride, unbelief, or something else—that you need to push past today to truly reach out to Jesus? What step of faith can you take right now?

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