This woman had suffered from chronic bleeding for twelve years, which made her not only physically ill but also socially marginalized because of the purity laws of the Old Testament (Leviticus 15.25-27). It is clear that Peter spoke with this woman, since the details he provides in Mark's account could not have been known simply by observing the miracle.
Mark relied on the memories of the apostle Peter to write his Gospel.
As the Messiah Jesus was making his way through the dense crowd to go to Jairus' house, she approached discreetly and touched the edge of his garment. She thought to herself: “If I only touch His garment, I will be healed.” The moment she touched the garment of Jesus, she was instantly healed.
However, the Messiah Jesus felt power go out from him and, turning toward the woman, said to her: “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” This miracle shows not only the power of the Messiah Jesus to heal, but also the importance of faith and perseverance.
This miracle is often cited as an example of the infinite compassion of the Messiah Jesus and of the power of faith. It shows that even in desperate situations, faith can work miracles.
There are some subtle differences between the accounts of the healing of the woman with the issue of blood as they are reported in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here is an overview of the variations:
Matthew 9.20-22
Description: Matthew gives a concise version of the event.
Interaction: The woman touches the edge of Jesus' garment and is healed immediately.
Dialogue: Jesus turns around and says to her: “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.”
Focus: Matthew concentrates on the woman's act of faith and the immediate healing.
Mark 5.25-34
Description: Mark gives a more detailed description of the woman's situation and suffering.
Interaction: The woman touches Jesus' garment, immediately feels that she is healed, and Jesus senses that power has gone out from him.
Dialogue: Jesus asks: “Who touched my clothes?” The disciples and the crowd react, and the woman confesses, trembling. Jesus then says to her: “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
Focus: Mark emphasizes the power of Jesus and the reverent fear of the woman.
Luke 8.43-48
Description: Luke likewise stresses the details of the woman's illness and mentions that she had found healing from no physician.
Interaction: The woman touches Jesus' garment and is immediately healed. Jesus senses that power has gone out from him and asks the crowd who touched him.
Dialogue: As in Mark, Jesus asks: “Who touched me?” Peter answers, and the woman confesses before everyone. Jesus then says to her: “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Focus: Luke highlights the public acknowledgment of the healing and the importance of faith.
Key differences
Details of the illness: Mark and Luke provide more details about the duration and the suffering of the woman's illness.
Reactions: The dialogues and interactions with Jesus vary slightly, especially Jesus' reaction and the way he identifies the woman.
Perspective: Each evangelist highlights different aspects, such as the woman's faith (Matthew), the power of Jesus (Mark), and the public acknowledgment (Luke).
These variations show the different perspectives of the evangelists, each one shedding light on specific aspects of the event and its spiritual significance.