Physical Healing and Spiritual Healing in Jesus

June 30, 2021

Physical Healing and Spiritual Healing in Jesus

“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?’” - Mark 5:27-32

“Immediately” is one of Mark’s favorite words. The term appears in the New Testament a total of 59 times, and 41 of them are found in the Gospel of Mark. His frequent use of this adverb might be an attempt to reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ. In him, the Holy Spirit is actively working. There is no waiting or pondering; God’s work is being done right now through the person of Jesus. The hemorrhaging woman was cured instantaneously just by touching his garment. Immediately, the blood dried up and she felt her body being renewed. Isn’t that what every aching person longs for – immediate healing?

Her health restored, this woman intended to slip back through the crowd and disappear. She was no longer unclean and, for the first time in twelve years, could move about freely. Her fear and isolation had been healed, along with her illness. While her plan to get to Jesus worked perfectly, her attempt to escape quietly was thwarted when he stopped and asked who touched him. The disciples were bewildered by this question. They were surrounded by a throng of people; obviously Jesus had been touched. They all had. And yet, Jesus knew it was more than a bump or jostle; it was a healing touch. Instead of letting this woman slip away, he longed to see her and for her to see him. Why? Because Jesus knew that physical healing was just part of her story.

Meanwhile, the disciples (and presumably the crowd) were anxious to get to Jairus’ daughter. After all, that was the whole point of this journey. The woman had already been healed, and any further delay seemed unnecessary. But when Jesus has an agenda, he will not be deterred. He wanted complete healing for his child; he longed to commend her faith and demonstrate his love for her. Jesus always pursues the Father’s plan rather than the world’s. He knew that he would get to Jairus’ daughter and she would be made well. For now, he wanted to know and make himself known to this woman.

Do we, like the disciples, get so caught up in the world’s agenda that we miss the Father’s? Do we focus more on physical healing than spiritual healing? The Lord longs to truly see you, know you, and to make himself known to you. That often means stopping, waiting, and allowing him to refocus our attention. May we respond “immediately” to these divine appointments!

Reflect and Respond:
How is the Lord calling you to stop, to wait, and to be redirected in his agenda today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resources:

In our new six-week Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!