Daughter of Redemption

“‘Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction” (Mark 5:34).

Have you ever gotten so used to being in the background that it would surprise you if someone knew you?

After the woman who has suffered for 12 years from bleeding touches Jesus and is healed, she admits in shame that it was her who touched Him. Although she’s been healed, she’s grown so accustomed to living with her head down, avoiding people, and enduring ridicule, that despite her healing, she won’t celebrate because she’s ashamed.

Her affliction wasn’t like leprosy or a limp foot. It was a private illness that no one would have believed she’d been healed from since they couldn’t see it. Had she tried to walk into the synagogue, they would’ve turned her away because it would’ve been her word against theirs that she was healed.

But Jesus calls her “daughter.” This is significant because it’s the first time in Scripture that we’ve seen Him call someone, “daughter.” This woman has no one—she’s all alone in the world because of her shame. People don’t even care what her name is, but Jesus publicly calls her “daughter” and tells her that she’s been healed. She’s been overlooked, condemned, and pushed aside by everyone, but Jesus redeems her.

He didn’t bring her to the side and tell her in secret. He speaks out right there in front of the crowd: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.” Why does He say it publicly? Because He’s not ashamed of her—He wants everyone there to know that she’s not only been redeemed physically but she’s been redeemed spiritually and emotionally. He’s healed her not only from her affliction but also from the shame and torment that she’s endured over the past 12 years.

He calls the “worthless” valuable. He calls the “unclean” pure.

God is so intentional with His timing. He healed this woman openly when she was so used to being hidden, and He testified on her behalf so that no one would call her a liar.

He brings the healing and the blessing when it’s the most valuable to us.