A Journey From Brokenness To Wholeness Series

A JOURNEY FROM BROKENNESS TO WHOLENESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 5:25-34

Supporting Texts: Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 8:43-48; Isaiah 53:4-5; Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION:

The story of the woman with the issue of blood is one of the most powerful portraits of faith, desperation, healing, and restoration in the New Testament. Her encounter with Jesus teaches us how to press through obstacles in order to receive what only Christ can give. She was nameless, faceless to society, rejected by religion, drained physically, emotionally, and financially, yet her faith made her whole.

This woman had suffered for twelve long years, tried every human solution, and endured shame and isolation due to her condition. In those days, her issue made her ceremonially unclean, which barred her from normal social and spiritual life. But when she heard about Jesus, she made a faith-filled decision to reach out and touch Him.

This account is not just historical—it is also prophetic and applicable to anyone today facing prolonged battles, repeated disappointments, or hidden afflictions. The same Jesus who healed her is still working miracles. Let us now examine her story in depth.

1. A LONG SEASON OF SUFFERING

a) Her problem was personal and painful (Mark 5:25)

She had an issue of blood for twelve years. This was not a one-time challenge but a prolonged affliction.

b) She had exhausted human help (Mark 5:26)

She had spent all her money on physicians, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse.

c) Her situation made her an outcast (Leviticus 15:25-27)

According to the Law, her condition made her ceremonially unclean and socially excluded.

d) She lived in secrecy and shame

Her sickness was hidden but tormenting, isolating her from both family and community.

Biblical Example: Job's prolonged suffering (Job 2:7-10)

Like Job, she experienced a season of pain that seemed never-ending, yet she didn’t give up.

2. A FAITH THAT REFUSED TO GIVE UP

a) She heard about Jesus (Mark 5:27)

Faith begins when we hear the Word. She had heard enough to believe He could heal her.

b) She acted on what she believed (Mark 5:27–28)

She didn’t just sit with faith in her heart; she moved with faith in her steps.

c) She reached past the crowd and customs

She broke through the barriers—legal, social, and physical—to get to Jesus.

d) She was determined to touch Jesus (Mark 5:28)

She said, “If I may but touch His clothes, I shall be whole.” That was bold, personal faith.

Biblical Example: Blind Bartimaeus who refused to be silenced (Mark 10:46-52)

Just like this woman, he pressed through resistance and received his miracle.

3. THE POWER OF A SINGLE TOUCH

a) Her touch connected her to divine virtue (Mark 5:29-30)

The moment she touched Jesus, power left Him and healing entered her.

b) Jesus recognised the unique touch of faith

Many touched Him, but hers was different—it drew something out of Him.

c) Instant transformation happened (Mark 5:29)

The issue dried up immediately. Years of affliction ended in a second.

d) Her healing was complete and undeniable

She knew in her body that she was healed. Jesus confirmed it with His words.

Biblical Example: The leper healed by Jesus’ touch (Matthew 8:1–3)

Another example of how one touch from Jesus brings total change.

4. JESUS ACKNOWLEDGES HER FAITH

a) Jesus did not let her remain anonymous (Mark 5:30,32)

He stopped the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” because He wanted her testimony.

b) Her fear turned to freedom (Mark 5:33)

She came trembling, but Jesus affirmed her faith and gave her dignity.

c) Jesus called her “Daughter” (Mark 5:34)

This is the only time in the Gospels Jesus addressed someone this way—He restored her identity.

d) Jesus declared her whole, not just healed

“Thy faith hath made thee whole” means she was restored spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus publicly affirmed by Jesus (Luke 19:9)

Like this woman, Zacchaeus was restored not just in action but in identity.

5. A TESTIMONY THAT STILL SPEAKS

a) Her story is recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels

God ensured her miracle would be told for generations.

b) Her story inspires bold faith in others

She teaches us not to wait for an invitation—faith initiates divine intervention.

c) Her transformation proves that delay is not denial

Even after twelve years, healing still came.

d) She moved from silence to a voice of testimony

She declared publicly what God had done, bringing glory to Christ.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:28-30)

Another woman whose encounter with Jesus changed her life and inspired many.

CONCLUSION:

The woman with the issue of blood teaches us that no matter how long an issue persists, one encounter with Jesus can end it completely. She was not invited, but she invited herself to the healing table by her faith. She didn’t wait for Jesus to come to her; she went to Him and was not disappointed.