THAT WOMAN IN CAPERNAUM

THAT WOMAN IN CAPERNAUM

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped” (Lk. 8:43, 44).

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Jesus spent a lot of time in Capernaum. In fact, “He went and lived in Capernaum” after leaving Nazareth (Matt. 4:13). This was also the home of Peter, Andrew, James and John. #

There was a synagogue there that was built by a Roman Centurion (Lk. 7:1 - 10). #

Jesus taught in that synagogue (Mk. 1:21; Jn. 6:59; etc.)

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Jesus performed many miracles in Capernaum (Peter’s mother in law - Mk. 1:31; whole town came for healing - Mk. 1:33. 34; paralyzed man - Mk. 2;1 - 12; Nobleman’s son - Jn. 4:46- 54; Centurion’s servant - Lk. 7:1 - 10; etc.)

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Jesus rebuked Capernaum for their unbelief in spite of all these miracles (Matt. 11:23). #

One of the rulers in the synagogue at Capernaum was a man named Jairus (Lk. 8:41). #

At the same time Jairus had a baby daughter, a woman in Capernaum became sick with an issue of blood. For the next 12 years she spent all she had on many doctors but was no better (Mk. 5:25 - 27). With this “uncleanness” she was not permitted to attend the synagogue. #

When Jesus came back to town, Jairus fell at His feet and pleaded with Him to come heal his 12 year old daughter who was at the point of death (Mk. 5:22 - 24). Jesus went with him. #

While going across town this unclean woman, sick for 12 years, was so desperate that she pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. When Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him, He turned around and asked who touched Him? (Mk. 5:30) #

Oh no! When Jairus saw who it was he must have been devastated. This unclean woman was not even permitted in the synagogue, and now she was detaining Jesus from the urgent need of his daughter. His daughter was sicker than this woman, and was not unclean. #

During this delay men came with news that his daughter was dead (Mk. 5:35).

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The story, of course, has a happy ending. Even though the daughter of Jairus died, Jesus immediately raised her from the dead (Mk. 5:35 - 43; Lk. 8:49 - 56).

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THAT WOMAN

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While there are many lessons to be learned from this story, here are a few.

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It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, when you come to Jesus there is always hope. #

When others have nothing to do with you, Jesus will. His invitation is for “whosoever”. #

Rubbing shoulders with Jesus does not bring transformation. Jesus was “thronged” by many but only “touched” by one. Remember! The eyes of the Lord range throughout the whole earth looking for people like this desperate woman in Capernaum (2 Chron. 16:9). #

Salvation involves taking a risk. After Ananias and Sapphira died the Scriptures note: “No one else dared join them” (Acts 5:13). This woman, however, dared to risk everything. Touche! Jesus said to her: “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Lk. 8:46).

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Jesus is always on time. The sister of Lazarus said “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn. 11:21). Jairus must have felt the same way. Even though Jesus walked across town, and his journey was delayed by an interruption, He was still on time. #

Today Jesus is still in the midst of a crowd. Thousands join the crowd that periodically goes to church. Thousands play Christian songs and may even buy a bumper sticker. This casual contact with Christ, however, does not tap into the exceeding greatness of His power. #

There have always been “throngers” and “touchers”. Which are you?