Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” not because He lacked knowledge, but to publicly acknowledge the woman’s faith, draw her out of anonymity, and declare her healing. His question was deliberate, meant to affirm her before the crowd and make her restoration complete.
“And Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’ When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, ‘Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, “Who touched Me?”’ But Jesus said, ‘Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.’”
(Luke 8:45–46)
The woman who touched Jesus had suffered for twelve years with a flow of blood. According to the Law, she was ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25–27). Her condition would have made her an outcast, unable to participate in public worship or normal social life.
Yet she believed that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed:
“If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
(Matthew 9:21)
She touched Him in secret, but Jesus brought her act of faith into the light. His question, “Who touched me?” was not for His own information, it was for her sake and for the sake of the witnesses. He wanted her to step forward, not in shame, but in boldness and faith.
“Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.”
(Luke 8:47)
Jesus then spoke directly to her:
“Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
(Luke 8:48)
This was more than physical healing, it was restoration to dignity, identity, and community. Jesus’ question turned a private miracle into a public testimony. He did not let her slip away quietly, because He wanted to honor her faith and give her full reassurance.
His question teaches that Jesus values personal faith, public witness, and the total restoration of those who come to Him in humility.
