Scripture Daily

Context No. 3416 of 4322 · Matthew

Context · Reflection

Matthew 9:18-22: in context

18While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples. 20Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; 21for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

Two desperate people reach out to Jesus in faith. A synagogue ruler kneels and asks him to come and raise his daughter, who has just died, believing Jesus' touch can restore even the dead. And on the way, a woman who has bled for twelve years, ritually unclean and long suffering, reaches out to touch just the fringe of his garment, believing even that faint contact will heal her.

Both come with a faith that reaches out and takes hold, however small the gesture. The woman thinks, if I only touch his garment, I will be made well, and she is right. Jesus turns and honors her hidden touch: take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well. Faith does not have to be grand or eloquent; it has only to reach for Jesus, even by the hem of his robe, believing he can help. He responds to the reaching hand of faith, whether it comes as the ruler's bold request or the woman's trembling, secret touch. What matters is that it takes hold of him.

Do I reach out to Jesus in faith, however small the gesture, believing he can help, and trusting that he responds to the hand of faith that takes hold of him?

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