Luke 8:48
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 8:48
In Luke 8:48, Jesus speaks to a woman who had long suffered from a hemorrhagic condition and had pressed through crowds to touch him. She calls him “Daughter” in a culturally significant gesture; a term of endearment and familial belonging, signaling restoration rather than estrangement. The phrase “thy faith hath made thee whole” centers not on magical power but on faith’s posture: trust in Jesus’s compassion and power. Historically, a woman with a chronic bleed was considered ritually impure under Mosaic Law, leading to social and religious isolation. Her courage to seek Jesus publicly—risking shame to gain healing—reflects a turning point from societal censure toward divine invitation. When Jesus acknowledges her, he names her, affirms her faith, and pronounces healing, integrating her back into community. The word “comfort” or “cheer” underscores the tenderness of Jesus’s approach: healing is intimate, relational, and restorative beyond physical cure.
The verse foregrounds faith as the conduit of healing, not as a meritorious work but as trust in Jesus’s goodwill. It also highlights inclusive restoration: a marginalized woman is addressed with dignity, her identity redefined in his presence as “Daughter.” Luke emphasizes Jesus’s compassion for the marginalized, extending grace across social boundaries. The phrase “thy faith hath made thee whole” invites readers to distinguish between peripheral health and spiritual wholeness; faith catalyzes healing, yet the ultimate source remains Christ. This moment foreshadows the broader gospel—Jesus unites people to God and to one another, undoing barriers of purity codes, gender, and class.
Apply this by nurturing a faith that seeks Jesus amid long-standing struggles—whether physical, emotional, or social. When you feel marginalized, remember that Jesus notices you, names you, and offers restoration. Practical steps: 1) Bring your pain to Jesus with honesty, even if others deem it private or shameful. 2) Seek supportive community—small groups or trusted mentors—who will affirm your worth and faith. 3) Embrace the restoration of voice and belonging; let a “Daughter” identity shape your self-understanding as someone cherished by God. 4) Balance action with trust: pursue medical or practical help while placing ultimate confidence in Christ’s care. 5) Share your story at appropriate times to encourage others who suffer in silence.
Cross-References: Mark 5:34; Matthew 9:22; Luke 8:50; Galatians 3:28; Hebrews 11:1