Today I am reminded of two stories found in the Gospel of Mark:
- The story of the woman with the issue of blood. She had both a unique and personal encounter with Jesus that resulted in her healing. Due to her issue of blood, this woman was ceremonially unclean ”“ she was an outcast. She had lost all purpose and identity within society. You can read the entire account in
Mark 5: 24-34. - The story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof of a home by his friends. This man had also lost his identity and purpose within society as his infirmity left him to being a beggar. The entire account can be found in Mark 2: 1-12.
Both of these people had lost their identities due to the restrictions placed upon them by the Law and society. Yet here is an interesting thought:
Along with healing each of these people, Christ also restored their identity and their relationship with Him.
With the woman, Christ says: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5: 34 NIV).
With the paralytic, Christ says: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2: 5 NIV).
Christ calls one, “Daughter” and one “Son”. Each title is indicative of an identity. He restores not only health but dignity and purpose to each of them. To each of them, Christ restores relationship as both are familial terms. Both are made whole, not only in their bodies, but their minds and emotions are restored as well, enabling them to reenter society.
God calls each of us into relationship with Him. He desires to free us from those things which would hold us back from being all that He created us to be. He longs to restore identity, dignity, and purpose to each of our lives. May each one of us grab onto this truth today.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs ”“ heirs of God & co-heirs with Christ.”
( Romans 8: 15-17a NIV)
This is a revised version of an earlier post.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story .
I love how when Jesus enters the scene and tumbles the walls of religion, and law. He does amazing wonders…little surprise why the Pharisees misssed Him!
Hugs friend and plenty Blessings to you
Such beautiful words today as we consider that Jesus does not consider us and others as outcasts, but as sons and daughters. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
It is a privilege He bestows on us. An amazing one at that. Have a wonderful weekend, Hazel!
Joanne,
What an important reminder that God not only makes whole in body, but in mind and spirit. How many times I skip over God calling me His daughter…needed this reminder!
Blessings,
Bev
It is powerful to realize how our God looks to restore every part of us. Blessings!
Funny, I knew these stories so well, but I didn’t notice the familial terms. Thanks for pointing out that Christ not only heals, He restores and gives us identity in His family – if we are willing!
Jerralea, isn’t it amazing how we can always find a new treasure in these familiar stories! So grateful for all that He does for us.