Topical Encyclopedia
In the New Testament, the ministry of Jesus Christ is marked by numerous miraculous healings, including the deliverance of women from evil spirits and various infirmities. These accounts highlight the compassion and divine authority of Jesus, as well as the significant role women played in His ministry.
Mary Magdalene One of the most prominent women healed by Jesus is Mary Magdalene. According to the Gospel of Luke, she was delivered from seven demons: "and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out" (
Luke 8:2). Mary Magdalene's deliverance is significant, as she became a devoted follower of Jesus, witnessing His crucifixion and being the first to see Him after His resurrection (
John 20:11-18).
The Woman with the Issue of Blood Another notable healing is that of the woman with the issue of blood, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This woman had suffered for twelve years and had spent all she had on physicians without finding a cure. Her faith led her to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, believing she would be healed. Jesus, recognizing her faith, declared, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction" (
Mark 5:34). This account underscores the power of faith and Jesus' willingness to restore those who seek Him.
The Bent-Over Woman In
Luke 13:10-17, Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years, causing her to be bent over and unable to straighten up. Jesus called her forward and said, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity" (
Luke 13:12). He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. This healing, performed on the Sabbath, also served as a teaching moment about the true purpose of the Sabbath and the value of compassion over legalism.
The Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter The account of the Syrophoenician woman, found in
Mark 7:24-30, illustrates Jesus' power over evil spirits and His mission to all people, including Gentiles. The woman approached Jesus, pleading for her daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. Despite an initial test of her faith, Jesus commended her persistence and declared, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter" (
Mark 7:29). Her daughter was healed at that very moment.
Significance in Jesus' Ministry These accounts of women healed of evil spirits and infirmities reveal several key aspects of Jesus' ministry. They demonstrate His authority over the spiritual realm and His compassion for the suffering. Women, often marginalized in the cultural context of the time, are shown to be recipients of Jesus' grace and active participants in His ministry. These healings also emphasize the importance of faith and the breaking down of social and religious barriers, as Jesus ministered to both Jews and Gentiles, men and women alike.
The healing of women in the Gospels serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God and the transformative power of Jesus' love and authority.