Luke 8:48 – “Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus addresses the woman who had been suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years. After she courageously came forward and confessed that she had touched His cloak and been healed, Jesus responds with compassion and affirmation. He calls her “Daughter,” a term of endearment that signifies acceptance and relationship. His words, “Your faith has healed you,” emphasize that it was not the physical act of touching His garment but her belief in His power that led to her healing.

Jesus’ final words, “Go in peace,” are deeply significant. He is not only referring to physical peace from her affliction but also to spiritual peace, symbolizing her restoration to wholeness. Her healing is complete—not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. She can now return to society, free from isolation, and live a life of peace in the knowledge of God’s care and grace.

Historical Context

In Jewish society, the woman’s condition would have made her ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), preventing her from participating in religious activities and likely causing her to be isolated from her community. For twelve years, she had lived in physical pain, social rejection, and spiritual separation. When she touched Jesus, she risked public humiliation or rebuke for breaking purity laws.

However, Jesus does not criticize or reject her. By calling her “Daughter,” He publicly restores her dignity and identity. His affirmation in front of the crowd shows that she is no longer an outcast. The fact that Jesus acknowledges her faith as the reason for her healing is a radical statement in this context, showing that access to God’s power is not limited by religious status, gender, or condition—it is available to those who believe.

Theological Implications

1. Faith as the key to healing and salvation: Jesus’ statement, “Your faith has healed you,” highlights the central role of faith in receiving God’s grace. It wasn’t the act of touching His garment that healed her, but her faith in who Jesus is.
2. Jesus restores more than the body: The woman’s healing was not just physical—it restored her relationship with her community and her standing before God. This reflects the comprehensive nature of salvation, which addresses every part of a person’s life.
3. Peace through reconciliation with God: The phrase “Go in peace” points to the inner peace that comes from being restored to right standing with God. This peace is a result of faith, healing, and the assurance of God’s love.
4. God’s grace is personal: By calling her “Daughter,” Jesus demonstrates that His grace is not generic—it is personal and relational. He sees each individual and responds to their specific needs.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as the resolution of the woman’s story, bringing closure to her suffering and highlighting the power of faith. The structure of the passage moves from the woman’s secretive approach to her public confession, and finally to Jesus’ declaration of healing and peace. The use of the word “Daughter” emphasizes intimacy and compassion, creating a moment of emotional depth.

The phrase “Your faith has healed you” is central to the message of the story. It underscores the idea that God’s power is activated through faith, not through rituals or physical objects. The final blessing, “Go in peace,” serves as both a command and a promise, indicating that the woman’s life has been permanently changed.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 5:34 – The parallel account where Jesus tells the woman her faith has healed her and to go in peace.
• Matthew 9:22 – The same event, with Jesus affirming the woman’s faith as the cause of her healing.
• Luke 7:50 – Jesus tells the sinful woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” highlighting the connection between faith and peace.
• Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
• Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus is the key to experiencing God’s healing and peace. The woman didn’t need to do anything extraordinary—she simply believed that Jesus could heal her, and her faith was enough. For today’s Christian, this highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Jesus’ words also remind believers that God’s healing goes beyond physical ailments. Just as the woman received peace and restoration, Christians today can experience spiritual healing and peace through a relationship with Christ. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but comes from knowing that they are loved and accepted by God.

Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to consider how they approach God. Do they come to Him with faith and expectancy, or do they hold back out of fear or doubt? The woman’s example encourages believers to boldly seek Jesus, knowing that He responds to faith with compassion and grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in Jesus’ tender response to the woman. He doesn’t simply heal her and move on—He takes the time to address her personally, calling her “Daughter” and affirming her faith. This demonstrates that God’s love is personal and relational. He doesn’t just meet physical needs—He cares about restoring people’s dignity, identity, and peace.

God’s love is also reflected in His willingness to give peace. The woman had spent twelve years suffering, but in one moment, Jesus gives her not only healing but also the assurance that she can live in peace. This shows that God’s love is not limited by time or human failure—He is always ready to bring restoration to those who trust Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus as the one who brings complete healing and peace. The woman’s faith in Jesus is what triggers her healing, pointing to the truth that Jesus is the source of life and restoration. His ability to heal instantly and completely reflects His divine nature and His role as the one through whom God’s power flows.

The woman’s experience also foreshadows the spiritual healing and peace that Jesus offers to all believers through His death and resurrection. Just as her faith led to physical healing, faith in Jesus leads to salvation and the promise of eternal peace with God.

Additionally, Jesus’ words to the woman reflect His mission of reconciliation. By calling her “Daughter,” He restores her not just physically but relationally, pointing to the larger mission of restoring humanity’s relationship with God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach you about the relationship between faith and experiencing God’s power?
2. How does Jesus’ response to the woman challenge you to trust Him with your own needs and struggles?
3. Have you experienced the peace of God in your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek that peace through faith in Jesus?
4. How can you encourage others who are struggling to approach Jesus with faith and expectancy, like the woman did?
5. In what ways can you share your testimony of God’s work in your life to help others experience healing and peace?