May 10, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 4 - Psalm 78:70-72; 79:13; antiphon: John 10:14, 15b

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 40:17-38; Leviticus 1:1-7:38; Luke 8:40-56

“And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’” (Luke 8:47-48)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Imagine it: a woman has had a health condition for twelve years that has proved stubbornly incurable. This health condition doesn’t only have physical consequences, but we also have to put it in the context of her life and culture. Because it is a bleeding disorder, it would have also made her ritually unclean to the community around her, so she did not only suffer twelve years of feeling unwell in her body, but she also suffered twelve years of shame, ridicule, and isolation from those around her. This is why the woman was so intent on a cure that she spent all she had on physicians. In a word, she’s desperate. This desperation causes her to throw caution to the winds and push through a jostling crowd in the belief that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’s garment, she would be well. The healing that she receives, though, is not because Jesus wore a magical cloak or that somehow His clothing soaked up His healing powers, but rather it was her faith that pushed her through her financial destitution, her physical condition, her cultural shame, and caused her to reach out to Jesus for hope. She is instantly cured, but Jesus does not let her sneak away and remain hidden; instead, in the hearing of all who are there, she recounts who she is and why she touched Jesus. If they did not know before that she was unclean, they certainly know now, and yet whatever dismay the crowd might have felt is dismissed by Jesus, who declares her well and at peace. Her wellness is not just the cessation of a physical ailment but is peace with God and her neighbors as the barrier to their fellowship is removed. Jesus is applying His word to the work that has already been done, publicly in the hearing of all, because even though her faith made her well, her faith is not a private affair. None of our faiths are private, but by our baptisms are integrated into the fellowship of believers; at the Supper, we are further accompanied by the whole company of heaven, and in the Absolution, your pastor declares before everyone what Christ has done and is doing for you. Go in peace; your faith has made you well.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone And rest in Him unceasing; And by its fruits true faith is known, With love and hope increasing. For faith alone can justify; Works serve and our neighbor and supply The proof that faith is living. (LSB 555:9)

- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.