Biblical References:
· Matthew 9:20-22
· Mark 5:25-34
· Luke 8:43-48

Context and Background:
The account of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment is a significant event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This miracle occurs during Jesus' ministry in Galilee, amidst a crowd following Him. The woman, suffering from a chronic condition, demonstrates profound faith in Jesus' healing power.

The Woman's Condition:
The woman had been afflicted with a hemorrhage for twelve years. According to Mark 5:26, she "had suffered much under many physicians and had spent all she had, but to no avail. Instead, her condition had only grown worse." Her ailment rendered her ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law, isolating her socially and religiously (Leviticus 15:25-27).

The Act of Faith:
Driven by desperation and faith, the woman approached Jesus from behind in the crowd. She believed, "If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed" (Matthew 9:21). Her faith was not in the garment itself but in the power of Jesus.

The Miracle:
As she touched the fringe of His cloak, "immediately her bleeding stopped, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction" (Mark 5:29). Jesus, perceiving that power had gone out from Him, turned to the crowd and asked, "Who touched My clothes?" (Mark 5:30). Despite the disciples' confusion due to the pressing crowd, Jesus sought to identify the person who had touched Him with faith.

The Woman's Confession and Jesus' Response:
Trembling with fear, the woman came forward and confessed her action and the immediate healing she experienced. Jesus addressed her with compassion, saying, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction" (Mark 5:34). In Luke 8:48, He similarly reassures her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Theological Significance:
This narrative highlights several key theological themes:

1. Faith and Healing: The woman's healing underscores the power of faith in Jesus. Her belief in His ability to heal, despite her long-standing condition, exemplifies the transformative power of faith.

2. Jesus' Authority: The miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority over physical ailments and His ability to restore individuals to wholeness, both physically and spiritually.

3. Inclusivity of Jesus' Ministry: By addressing the woman as "Daughter," Jesus affirms her dignity and inclusion in the community of faith, countering the social and religious exclusion she faced due to her condition.

4. Personal Encounter with Jesus: The narrative emphasizes the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus. The woman's healing was not just a physical restoration but also a personal interaction with the Savior, highlighting the relational aspect of faith.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The woman's condition and her approach to Jesus reflect the cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism. Her act of touching Jesus' garment, despite the risk of making Him ceremonially unclean, illustrates her desperation and determination. The fringes of Jesus' cloak, likely the tassels (tzitzit) worn by Jewish men, held symbolic significance, representing adherence to God's commandments (Numbers 15:38-39).

Conclusion:
The account of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment is a profound testament to the power of faith and the compassionate response of Jesus to those who seek Him. It serves as an enduring reminder of the accessibility of Jesus' healing and the personal nature of His ministry.