New Scripts for Power and Agency

By Dottie Oleson

Power plays a fascinating role in the story of the bleeding woman. In many ways, as discussed in yesterday’s devotional, the bleeding woman exemplifies being ‘poor in spirit.’ In her vulnerability and awareness of her limited power, she reaches out in desperation for healing. While society marks her as an outcast, Jesus sees her, heals her, and commends her brave actions. 

There is another dynamic of power—the woman initiates her own healing. In her own power, she is the one to reach. In her own autonomy, she steps out of her place in society and exercises her own authority. In her own agency, she reaches and she takes.

What's amazing about this story is that the woman is not rebuked for her scandalous actions (i.e. stepping out of her societal place and potentially embarrassing Jesus by initiating touch). Instead, the woman is celebrated! Jesus could have condemned her actions with responses like:  'stay in your place' or 'do not use your authority over me' but instead Jesus celebrates the way she exercises her autonomy and power, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

Isn't this a captivating story about power? It's one where we see some new scripts of how to use power. The woman is vulnerable, ‘poor in spirit’, and in need of Jesus, and yet at the same time exercises her agency and power. She is the initiator of her own healing. Similarly, Jesus’ response exemplifies what it means to be ‘poor in spirit.’ He isn’t concerned with overthrowing her power, but rather he both lays down his power and uses his power to heal her. 

Today, take a moment to reflect on this story, the role of power, and how it relates to your life. Do you find yourself on the margins needing God's help to discover your own inner strength and agency? Maybe you are in a position of power needing to release it. Or maybe you are stuck in sterile ways of thinking about power and need to reimagine what it means to be ‘poor in spirit.’ Wherever you may be, spend time asking God to help you move closer to vulnerability, laying down your power, as well as finding your own inner strength, authority, agency, and autonomy.