Mar. 23, 2025

The week’s sermon focused on the story from Luke 8:40-48 about the woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus' garment and was healed. The contrast between the pressing crowd who merely wanted to be near Jesus versus the woman's faith-driven touch that resulted in healing challenges us to consider our own position in the crowd. The sermon explores the significance of the fringe (tassel) of Jesus' garment, connecting it to Old Testament symbolism and the prophecy of healing in Malachi.

Key Verses: Luke 8:43-44; Luke 8:48; Malachi 4:2; Numbers 15:38-39

Reflection Questions

What's the difference between the crowd pressing against Jesus and the woman's touch of faith?

Why do you think Jesus asked 'Who touched me?' when He already knew who it was?

How does the woman's 12-year struggle relate to modern-day struggles people face?

How does the symbolism of the fringe/tassel of Jesus' garment deepen our understanding of this story?

What does Jesus calling her 'daughter' reveal about His character and how He views us?

In what ways might people today be 'pressing' near Jesus without truly reaching out in faith?

How does the sermon's chess analogy (the King's move) relate to situations in your life?

Life Application

This week, identify an area in your life where you might be merely 'pressing' near Jesus versus reaching out in genuine faith. Take a specific step to move from being a spectator to actively reaching out to Him in faith.

Key Takeaways

• True faith requires more than just being near Jesus - it requires reaching out to Him
• Jesus' power to heal and restore is available to all who reach out in genuine faith
• When we think we're out of options, the King (Jesus) always has one more move
• Jesus doesn't just heal physically; He restores us socially, emotionally, and spiritually