There are moments when a person wants to come close to God, but something gets in the way: fear, guilt, exhaustion, other people’s opinions, or a wound from the past. Have you ever felt that you were not “enough” to take that step? The story of the woman with the issue of blood shows us exactly that: someone marked by pain, exclusion, and hope, who decides to come to Jesus in faith.
The central message appears in Matthew 9:20-22 and becomes even clearer in the light of Leviticus 15:25-27. There we see that ritual impurity deeply affected the social and religious life of a woman in that condition. But Jesus does not stay distant. Jesus sees her, calls her daughter, and restores her. Is this not one of the most beautiful pictures in the Gospel?
The faith that touches Jesus
The phrase that best sums up this passage is simple but powerful: the faith that touches Jesus does not remain as thought alone, but becomes action. This woman did not merely believe that Jesus could help her; she got up, pushed through the crowd, and touched the hem of His garment. How often do we know what we need to do, but remain still because of fear? How often do we believe, but fail to act?
The Bible says in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. That does not mean we are saved by our works, but that true faith always produces movement. In this story, the woman does not look for help in public opinion, social pressure, or herself. Her eyes are fixed on Jesus. Where are your eyes fixed when life becomes difficult?
When shame does not get the last word
For twelve years, this woman lived under a burden that was not only physical, but also social and emotional. She likely knew isolation, distance, and rejection very well. And yet, she took a step. That step may have looked small, but it took extraordinary courage. What if she had stayed at home and waited for everything to change on its own?
Many people today live with something similar. It may not be physical illness, but it may be hidden shame, a wound, guilt, or a fear that keeps them away from Jesus. Yet the Gospel proclaims that Christ does not reject those who come to Him in faith. He does not turn away the broken. He does not cast aside the one who needs help. Instead, Jesus responds with grace, dignity, and power. Do you need to remember today that your past does not define your future before God?
Jesus still says, “Take courage”
Jesus’ response to this woman is deeply personal: “Take courage, daughter; thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matthew 9:22). What tender words. Jesus does not only heal the body; He restores identity. He does not merely solve a problem; He gives hope again. That same voice is still speaking today to those who feel they cannot go on.
This reminds us of something important: Jesus’ healing is not only for extraordinary moments, but for whole lives that need renewing. Sometimes healing is physical. At other times it is emotional, spiritual, or relational. But it always points to the same truth: Jesus has the power to draw near, lift up, and transform. Which part of your life needs His touch today?
How to live this faith daily
Applying this message does not mean waiting for a dramatic experience every day. It means learning to take concrete steps towards Jesus in the middle of ordinary life. Sometimes that step is praying when you do not feel like it. Sometimes it is asking for help. Sometimes it is returning to the Bible. Sometimes it is no longer hiding. Sometimes it is stepping into community, even after a long time away.
At home, it may mean saying sorry. At work, it may mean acting with integrity. At church, it may mean opening your heart without fear. In your personal life, it may mean refusing to listen to the voices that say, “you can’t” or “you do not deserve it”. The faith that touches Jesus always finds a way to move. What is your next step of faith?
Welcome to IDC Madrid
If you are new to IDC Madrid, we want to give you a warm welcome. Perhaps you are exploring faith, carrying honest questions, or simply looking for hope. There is space for you here. You do not need to have all the answers or know everything about the Bible in order to come to Jesus.
We want to walk with you patiently, truthfully, and with grace. If you come with wounds, doubts, or weariness, you are not out of place. The story of this woman reminds us that Jesus receives those who come to Him with a sincere heart. Could this be your moment to begin again?
The faith that touches Jesus today
This passage calls us to something very clear: not to stay paralysed by shame, but to come to the Saviour. The woman in the Gospel did not accept suffering in silence. She took a step, touched Jesus, and received new life. That is the invitation for us as well.
Today you can pray, trust again, and draw near to Christ once more. The faith that touches Jesus does not depend on a perfect life, but on coming to Him with need and trust. And when you do, you discover that His grace is still enough. Will you take that step today?
Questions for reflection
- What barrier is keeping you from coming to Jesus freely?
- Are you waiting to feel “worthy” before you come to Him?
- What concrete step of faith do you need to take this week?
- In what area of your life do you need to hear Jesus say, “Take courage”?
Conclusion
The woman with the issue of blood teaches us that the faith that touches Jesus can open a way where no way seemed possible. Jesus is still calling, healing, and restoring today. No matter how long you have struggled or how deep your shame may be, He is still a Saviour who draws near with compassion.
If you need to return to God today, do so with confidence. Pray, seek His presence, and keep walking with IDC Madrid in this journey of faith, hope, and discipleship. Jesus still responds to the heart that comes close to Him.
