We don't automatically understand how...
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We don't automatically understand how remarkable the encounter between Jesus and the woman with the hemorrhages was. Today, a woman with a similar problem would have a lot of help available. She'd probably go to a gynecologist or another doctor who specializes in female health matters. But we assume a society where most women's health issues can be treated and often cured. The Bible tells us that this woman had endured much from the doctors of her day, and in fact, had spent all she had on them, but she hadn't gotten any better.
But there is another facet of her problem as well. In that ancient Jewish practice, even a healthy woman, during menstruation, was considered ritually unclean, meaning that during that time, she was not permitted to participate in any of the functions of the temple. (You can read about all this in Leviticus 15, 19ff.) During that time, anything and anyone she touched was also considered ritually unclean as well. Leviticus further specifies that when this condition continues beyond the usual time, the uncleanness continues as well. That means this woman who touched Jesus' garment had been cut off from public worship for 12 years, and denied the usual fellowship of the worshiping community.
Believe it or not, in some places in the world yet today, similar proscriptions still exist. In Ghana, West Africa, for example, among the Akan people, a woman is considered abnormal during menstruation, and not allowed to cross the threshold of a man's house or perform any regular duties. She is required to go live alone in a special house on the outskirts of the village until the flow stops.
But there is another facet of her problem as well. In that ancient Jewish practice, even a healthy woman, during menstruation, was considered ritually unclean, meaning that during that time, she was not permitted to participate in any of the functions of the temple. (You can read about all this in Leviticus 15, 19ff.) During that time, anything and anyone she touched was also considered ritually unclean as well. Leviticus further specifies that when this condition continues beyond the usual time, the uncleanness continues as well. That means this woman who touched Jesus' garment had been cut off from public worship for 12 years, and denied the usual fellowship of the worshiping community.
Believe it or not, in some places in the world yet today, similar proscriptions still exist. In Ghana, West Africa, for example, among the Akan people, a woman is considered abnormal during menstruation, and not allowed to cross the threshold of a man's house or perform any regular duties. She is required to go live alone in a special house on the outskirts of the village until the flow stops.
