Dear Friend, In this month's Powerlines, I wrote about my daughter, Haven, entering high school as a freshman. Jesus did not have any biological children, but he did refer to one woman as “daughter” in the New Testament—the woman who has an issue of blood that we encounter in Mark 5, Luke 8, and Matthew 9. All three versions tell a profound story of miraculous healing and a significant moment of personal and theological insight. Jesus not only restores her physical health, but also reinstates her social and spiritual identity. The Context of the Healing - The story unfolds as Jesus returns to the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee and is met by a large crowd. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue leader, who begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus interacts with Jairus, the narrative takes a turn with the introduction of a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for years. Mark describes her prolonged suffering, worsening condition, and financial ruin from medical expenses. Despite all of this she believed in Jesus’ power. "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed" (Mark 5:28). In a crowd, she touches his garment, an act of both profound faith and deep personal risk, given her ritual impurity according to Jewish law. The Moment of Healing - When she touched Jesus’ cloak, Mark recounts that her bleeding stopped immediately. Jesus asks, "Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5:30) inviting the woman to come forward. She falls fearfully before him and tells the whole truth. Jesus addresses her as "daughter," a term that does more than simply respond to her confession. This redefines her identity—restoring her dignity. Jesus acknowledges her as a member of the family of God—encapsulating acceptance, endearment, and legal and social restoration. This woman changes from someone with no name to daughter-in-Christ. The story of Jesus and the woman in Mark 5:21-33 highlights Jesus' inclusive ministry. Jesus’ use of "daughter" affirms her worth and place in the community of believers. In God’s kingdom, all are welcome and valued not for their social identities but for their inherent worth as children of God. Can I count on you for your faithful and generous support? There are still so many people around the globe who do not know Jesus but need his healing touch. Like the nameless woman in Mark 5 who became a spiritual daughter, there are countless others who need a loving touch and encounter with the divine. Will you respond to the urgent call? Thank you for helping us build such a strong, inclusive, and committed community here at Hour of Power. We wouldn’t be here without you! Will you please consider giving a gift to support the growth of this ministry? Lives will be changed because of YOU! Always remember, that God loves you and so do I,
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