THURSDAY

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:21-34

From the woman who, in her own form of self imposed isolation, Jesus went out of his way to encounter at the well in Samaria, to the man possessed by demons who could do little more than somehow get himself to where Jesus was, in today’s story, we find a faith story about a woman who did her very best to try to disappear—only Jesus would not let her. If you have not yet read today’s passage, take a few moments to thoughtfully do so, and allow yourself to wrap your mind and heart around this story. What does the faith that you see emerging here look like? Is it in the hope she felt in her heart that Jesus would be able to help? Was it in her willingness to place herself where no one else wanted her to be because they saw her as unworthy or undesirable to be around? Was it in her determination to reach out and touch the edge of Jesus’ garment as he passed by? Was it in her willingness to identify herself when Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” Was it in her willingness to embrace both her healing and the fact that Jesus had called her “daughter”? There is much to ponder in this story! As you do so, consider the following:

• How was the hope she felt in her heart that Jesus could heal her related to her faith?

• How was her willingness to risk the scorn, rejection, and the condemnation of others in order to get close to Jesus related to her faith?

• How was her determination to reach out and touch Jesus related to her faith?

• How was her joy at being healed related to her faith?

• How was her willingness to embrace Jesus calling her “daughter” related to her faith?

• How would you describe the way that faith showed itself in her experience?

• What picture of God do you see emerging in this story of Jesus’ encounter with her?

• What part of her experience do you find yourself resonating with the most?

As you reflect on her experience and your own walk with God, what parts can you identify with the most? What do you sense God may be inviting you to consider in response to the story? Take a few moments to talk with God in prayer about what you are thinking.