The Lord Who CLeanses The UnCLean

THE LORD WHO CLEANSES THE UNCLEAN

Jesus, the Lord who cleanses the unclean, offers love and healing to all who approach him with faith, no matter their struggles oe feelings of loneliness.

ETYMOLOGY:

In Hebrew, “unclean” is טָמֵא ( tamei), derived from the root t-m-ʾ, meaning to be impure or defiled, often in a ritual sense. It describes conditions like contact with death or certain animals, requiring purification for re-entry into sacred practices.

In Greek, “unclean” is ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos), from a- (not) and katharos (clean). It refers to both physical impurity and moral or spiritual defilement, often linked to sin or demonic influence in the New Testament, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing through Christ.

How Jesus Cleanses the Unclean and Restores the Broken

In the Bible, there are many stories of individuals who, despite their suffering and social rejection, found healing and restoration throughtheir faith in Jesus. One of the most powerful of these stories is about a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. In Jewish law, anyone with a bleeding condition was considered unclean, which led to her being both physically and socially isolated. Despite seeking numerous treatments and spending all her wealth, she found no cure. However, upon hearing of Jesus, her faith led her to take a bold step: she believed that even touching His garment would heal her. This woman’s encounter with Jesus reveals not only the power of faith but also the compassion of the Lord, who cleanses the unclean and restores the broken

The Woman’s Suffering and Isolation

The woman had been dealing with a condition that caused constant bleeding for twelve long years. According to Jewish law, anyone with a similar condition was considered “unclean”.

“‘When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. 20 “‘Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. 21 Anyone who touches her bed will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. 22 Anyone who touches anything she sits on will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. 23 Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when any one touches it, they will be unclean till evening. 24 “‘If a man has sexual relations with her and her monthly flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. 25 “‘When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. 26 Any bed she lies on while her discharge continues will be unclean, as is her bed during her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be unclean, as during her period. 27 Anyone who touches them will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening.
( Leviticus 15 :19 -27 )

For a woman experiencing menstrual bleeding, this meant not only physical discomfort but also being socially and religiously isolated. She was forbidden from participating in worship or communal activities and was deemed to make others unclean simply by her presence. The isolation was further compounded by her physical suffering and the social stigma she endured.

In her desperation, the woman sought help from many doctors, enduring harsh treatments and spending all her wealth, but her condition only worsened. This prolonged period of suffering would have taken a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally, leaving her in a state of hopelessness.

The Encounter with Jesus

Despite the overwhelming challenges and the social restrictions place dupon her, the woman heard about Jesus and his miraculous healing powers. She knew that approaching Him directly would be risky, both due to the crowd and the fear of being discovered as unclean. Yet, her faith compelled her to take action.

“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.”
( Matthew 9: 20 -22 )

This woman’s actions were bold and courageous. She did not allow the fear of punishment or social rejection to stop her from seeking Jesus. She believed that if she could just touch the fringe of His garment, she would be healed.

Her faith, despite the many obstacles in her way, led to her healing.

Jesus’ Response: Compassion and Healing

When the woman touched Jesus’ garment, He immediately noticed that power had gone out from Him. He turned and asked who had touched Him, despite the large crowd pressing in on Him.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” ( Mark 5: 30 )

The woman, trembling with fear, came forward and explained what hadhappened. Jesus, instead of rebuking her for breaking the societal rules, responded with compassion.

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. ( Matthew 9: 22 )

In doing so, He not only healed her physically but also restored her dignity. Jesus’ words were a declaration of her acceptance and healing, both spiritually and emotionally.

The deeper Message: Faith, healing, and restoration

Faith Overcomes Fear:

The woman could have feared the consequences of her actions. She could have remained hidden, too ashamed or frightened to approach Jesus. But her faith in Jesus’ power to heal overcame her fear, and it was her faith that led to her restoration. Faith is often what bridges the gap between our pain and the healing that God desires for us.

Jesus Heals the Whole Person:

The woman didn’t just receive physical healing. Jesus’ words, “Take heart, daughter, ” show His deep care for her emotional and spiritual well-being. Her healing was a holistic experience that restored her body, mind, and spirit.

The Power of Personal Encounter:

Jesus didn’t require a grand gesture. A simple touch, an act of faith, was enough for her to receive healing. It wasn’t about the crowds, rituals, or societal rules, but about the personal connection with Jesus that brought her deliverance.

Jesus Breaks Social Barriers:

In Jewish society, the woman’s condition would have made her an out cast. However, Jesus did not let societal restrictions or labels define her. He welcomed her, restored her, and declared her clean. This is a reminder that Jesus sees beyond our circumstances, and no barrier is too great for His healing touch.

Fearless Faith:

Like the woman in the story, there are many people who live in isolation, suffering in silence, and carrying heavy burdens. They may feel unworthy or unclean, afraid to approach Jesus because of their circumstances or societal pressures. But Jesus invites all who are suffering, regardless of their status, to come to Him. Just as He healed the woman who touched His garment, He offers healing, care, and peace to all who reach out to Him in faith.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ( Matthew 11: 28 -30 )

This invitation is open to anyone, no matter how long they’ve suffered or how impossible their situation may seem. Jesus does not turn away the brokenhearted or the afflicted. He offers healing, restoration, and a new life.

The story of the woman with the issue of bleeding is not just about physical healing; it’s about the power of faith to overcome the barriers that hold us back. It’s about the love and compassion of Jesus, who sees us not as unclean, but as people deserving of His care and healing. No matter what we have suffered, no matter how alone we feel, we can always approach Jesus with faith, knowing that He will respond with love and healing