She had been bleeding for 12 years and spent all of her money on doctors, yet she remained unwell. Because of the state of her bleeding, she probably had no children, no family, no identity. Society considered her “unclean,” which left her with no social networks, no friends to hang out with in the evenings, no real relationships. Her story is summed up in a few short sentences in Luke 8:43-48.
Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue – an important leader within his community. His name is mentioned in the passage, as well as his prestigious title. But as Jairus led Jesus to his dying daughter, a woman reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. What was her name? It is not mentioned. The only thing she is identified by is her illness…that is, until the King of kings identified her as a daughter of God[1]. Jesus stopped for her, acknowledged her, healed her, and then commended her for her faith. He did more than just heal her body: He gave her a valuable identity; He honored her in a society that would have criticized her desperate act of faith; He redeemed her.
You may not be a leader in your community, you may not be rich, and few may know your name. Perhaps you feel like a nobody; a nameless face disregarded by many. However, the God of the universe has called you His own. He has called you as His son or His daughter. And as an heir, you have access to touch the hem of His garment; you have access to approach the Throne of Grace. No one is more important to Him than you. Though the world may disregard you, He knows your name and He calls you His own.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:16
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Is 43:1
[1] Blue Letter Bible
A Flame in the Dark 