Who and Whose She Was

A woman with an infirmity is healed. We do not know what her infirmity was, but we do know that for 18 years, she was bedridden (vs. 11). I would imagine that she felt very hopeless and I would imagine, struggled with depression. I know I probably would if I were in her shoes. I’m sure she felt very isolated and alone.

Two things to take away from this story: 1. Jesus saw who she was and WHOSE she was! (vs. 16 ‘being a daughter of Abraham’). He didn’t see her as the ‘sick’ one, and He didn’t see her as someone ‘good enough’ for healing; He saw her as beloved and accepted! It’s important that we find our identity in Christ instead of our infirmity.

2. Her pain wasn’t wasted because it had brought Jesus praise. (17b). Jesus had given her infirmity purpose. When going through a trial, we tend to think, ‘Why me?’. I’m sure she wasn’t thinking daily, ‘I’m so glad that Jesus is getting the glory for this.’ But when the woman looked back on her 18 years of suffering, she didn’t see the times she cried, the seasons of hopelessness, or the years of affliction. Instead, she saw the many people who praised and glorified the One Who set her free.

I wanna be like this woman. When others look back on my life, I want them to see Jesus. I’m ashamed to say I, too, have had seasons of sadness and hopelessness. Things that I didn’t handle well. I’m sure she did too! But I’m so glad I know the One who can change that! I will never look at this woman the same. May all that I do point back to Jesus, and when I fail (and I will), I will just remember the One who can help me through it.