He Saw Her: The Love of Jesus Toward the Overlooked

There are two stories in the Bible that have been wrecking my heart lately, showing the goodness and kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both stories involve women—the Samaritan woman and the woman with the issue of blood. At that time, women were considered less than. Recently, in my study Bible, I read that men during that time believed it was better to study the scriptures than to spend time talking to a woman.

So, for Jesus to interact with a woman of a different race and share the good news with her demonstrates a love only a Father would.

Jesus modeled what love looks like. Starting with the Samaritan woman, He made an extra trip to get there. He made a point to stop, and when He did, He sat with her and spoke to her. He looked into her eyes, and He confirmed love. The Word makes it clear that He was exhausted in His journey, and yet He took the time to demonstrate love through the actions of sitting with her, speaking to her and sharing what He knew about her. He also revealed Himself to her. That was what love was—and still is. What made her believe was His revelation to her; He didn’t conceal anything from her. That’s what love is.

When you love someone genuinely, you reveal deep parts of your heart, what you see within them, and you sit with them—you show them love.

The same goes for the woman with the issue of blood. He knew that someone had touched the hem of His garment, even with everyone surrounding Him. It wasn’t the physical touch that mattered to Him. It was the heart behind it. It was the faith behind it. And I imagine that He looked at her—and He loved her. He loved her, and He called her “daughter”—the only woman in the Bible He called by that name. And He exclaimed that her faith had healed her. "He told her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'" Mark 5:34 (NIV)

I encourage you to watch the version of The Chosen adaptation. In the episode, you can see how Jesus looks at her adoringly and how He lovingly speaks to her.

Reflection: Jesus is showing us what love looks like through His example. He doesn’t just give us the Great Commission—He models it by demonstrating love to others, pushing past cultural, gender, or historical narratives that may have brought shame. He loves fully, freely, and intentionally. May we do the same.

Prayer: Lord, may we love with the full capacity that You continuously show to Your children. Remind us to love past mistakes, accusations, or criticisms. Remove any spirit of unforgiveness, comparison, hate, criticism, or resentment that we may be holding onto. Fill us with Your love—so we can pour it into ourselves and others. Amen.