Restored by Grace: The Transformative Encounters of Six Women with Jesus

I wrote this blog in honour of my mother, Joan, who inspired me to reflect on the stories of courageous women who sought healing. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus constantly reached out to those in pain. He healed, performed miracles, and freed people from demonic oppression. However, his timing and methods often defied expectations. There’s something powerful in how Jesus worked beyond cultural and social boundaries, touching lives in ways that restored and renewed. It’s what he did for these six women, and it’s what he continues to offer to all of us today.

While we don’t know all the details of these women’s lives or what came after their encounters with Jesus, what we do know is transformative. Each woman was touched by Jesus, and their brokenness and shame were turned into stories of beauty and hope. His power remains the same today, unchanged, always ready to meet us in our struggles and turn them around for good.

Mary Magdalene  

Mary Magdalene’s story, found in Luke 8:2, tells of how Jesus delivered her from seven demons. She became one of his most faithful followers and a significant leader among the early believers. Her name often appears first in the lists of women who supported Jesus’ ministry, a reflection of her importance. She was there at the foot of the cross (John 19:25) and among the first to witness the empty tomb (John 20:1). In fact, she was the very first person to see the risen Christ, tasked with telling the others about his resurrection (John 20:10-18).  

Mary’s story reminds us that Jesus sets us free and gives us purpose. No matter the darkness, his power is greater, and he uses our stories to bring light to others.

The Woman with a Bleeding Disorder 

In Mark 5:27-34, we read about a woman who had suffered for years from a bleeding disorder. She had tried everything but only grew worse. Yet, her faith in Jesus remained unshaken. Believing that even touching his cloak would heal her, she reached out in the crowd. And it worked—immediately, power went out from Jesus, and she was healed. When Jesus sought her out, she trembled, unsure of what his reaction would be. But instead of anger or judgment, he responded with kindness, saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”  

This story is a testament to how Jesus meets us in our vulnerability and pain, offering peace and healing when we reach out in faith.

The Samaritan Woman

In John 4:1-42, we find Jesus crossing societal boundaries to meet a woman at a well in Samaria. She was alone, likely outcast, but Jesus engaged with her, asking for water. This simple request opened the door for a life-changing conversation. He offered her “living water,” a gift that transformed her and ultimately her entire community.  

This story reminds us that God knows everything about us—our past, our struggles, and our future. His forgiveness and healing can not only change our lives but ripple out, impacting those around us.

Peter’s Mother-in-Law

Peter’s mother-in-law’s healing is recorded in three of the Gospels. She was suffering from a serious fever, bedridden and unable to serve. Jesus rebuked the fever, and she was healed immediately. Without hesitation, she got up and began to serve others, and news of this miracle spread quickly. That evening, many came to Jesus for healing.  

Jesus doesn’t just heal; he restores our strength and calls us to step back into life, using our gifts to bless others.

The Daughter of Abraham

In Luke 13:10-17, we read about a woman crippled for 18 years, bent over and unable to straighten up. Despite her condition, she was in the synagogue on the Sabbath, worshipping. Jesus saw her, called her forward, and said, “Woman, you are set free.” Instantly, she was healed and began praising God.  

Even when healing seems delayed, God knows our stories and has a plan. What the enemy meant for harm, God can use for good, turning our struggles into something beautiful that brings him glory.

The Woman Caught in Adultery

John 8:1-11 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery, brought before Jesus by men seeking to trap him. Instead of condemning her, Jesus responded with silence, then wisdom. He told her accusers, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” They left, one by one, and Jesus turned to the woman, offering forgiveness and a fresh start: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”  

Jesus didn’t shame her but offered grace and a path forward. His message to us is the same: no matter what we’ve done or how far we’ve fallen, he is our rescuer, offering forgiveness and the strength to move forward.

These stories remind us of the deep compassion Jesus had for women who were often overlooked, marginalised, or condemned. His love transcends boundaries, offering healing, hope, and a renewed purpose. And that same love is available to us today.

Prayer:

Loving God,

We come to you, grateful for the stories of these women whose lives were touched by your healing and love. As we reflect on their experiences, remind us that you still reach out to us today, no matter our struggles or pain. Help us to trust in your power to restore and renew, to turn our brokenness into beauty and our shame into hope.

Just as you saw Mary Magdalene, the woman with the bleeding disorder, the Samaritan woman, and so many others, may we know that you see us too. You call us by name, you meet us where we are, and you offer us grace, healing, and purpose.

Grant us the faith to reach out to you in our vulnerability and the strength to step forward in your love. Fill us with your peace, set us free from the burdens we carry, and guide us to use our lives in service to others, just as these women did.

We thank you, Lord, for your compassion and for the ways you continue to move in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Photo Source: Artwork by Alex Kovych