2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 55

Two stories. One interruption. One Savior.

Jesus has just crossed back from Gentile territory — from tombs, pigs, and ritual impurity — only to be met in Capernaum by more of the same: a woman with a chronic bleeding and a child at the brink of death. According to the law, both situations carried uncleanness. Both would keep a faithful Jew at a distance. But Jesus never takes that posture.

What stands out in these intertwined stories is not simply the healing. It’s the faith.
A woman who had been shunned for twelve years presses through a crowd just to touch the fringe of His garment. A synagogue leader risks reputation and position to fall at Jesus’ feet.

Fear was real. Social consequences were real. But faith moved them anyway.
Grace was already at work before they ever reached Him.

The Spirit was stirring courage in the woman’s trembling hands. The Father was awakening hope in Jairus’ desperate heart. This is prevenient grace — God at work before we even know how to name it. Their faith did not earn healing; it responded to a grace already drawing them near.

The enemy whispers, You are unclean. You are unworthy. You should stay back. Jesus says, Daughter… do not be afraid. Only believe.

Holiness, in this sense, is not separation from the broken. It is the restoring presence of God moving toward the broken. These ordinary stories point ahead to the cross, where Jesus would absorb impurity, confront death itself, and open the door for all to walk in new life.
Faith overcame fear. And grace met them there.

Name one fear that has been keeping you from stepping toward Jesus — shame, doubt, reputation, failure. Bring it to Him honestly in prayer this week, trusting that His grace is already drawing you closer.