Touching Jesus: Matthew 9:20-22
“20) And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; 21) for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” 22) But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:20-22
We now have the story of the woman who was suffering from a hemorrhage touching Jesus and being healed. Mark 5:24-34 adds significant details to this story. Let me highlight a few.
Great multitudes were now following Jesus and pressing in on Him. The woman had been suffering from her condition for twelve years. She had spent all of her money on many physicians and not been helped. They had evidently tried extreme treatments on her, some of which actually added to her suffering. Her goal was to touch Jesus but remain unnoticed. This story impressed Mark as much as Jesus raising the synagogue officials daughter. Let’s look at some key points in this story.
First, some people are desperate to get help. She had tried everything and depleted all of her money. Good health is worth more than great riches. Study good nutrition and physical fitness. Once your health is jeopardized it may be very difficult to recover.
Second, there are many medical treatments for bad health issues. Some may be helpful and others harmful. Take time to study your own condition and seek a second opinion. I will restrain myself from saying more about this matter.
Third, the medical community focused on treatment while Jesus specialized in healing. She had been seeking treatment for 12 years… but Jesus healed her instantly. It might prudent to seek healing first and not as a last resort. (See James 5:13-16)
Forth, this may sound trivial but I think it is significant. Most people asked Jesus to touch them but she reached out and touched Jesus. She viewed herself as insignificant. She didn’t want to bother Jesus or become a spectacle. She as very humble.
Fifth, Jesus felt power go out from Him but didn’t know who had touched Him with healing faith. When He questioned the crowd, she came forward and fell before Him and told the whole truth.
This was most likely where Mark learned the details of her tragic story. The disciples recognized that many people brushed against Jesus, but only this woman was healed.
Finally, Jesus said to her; “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.” Jesus will never reprimand anyone for seeking Him. Her methods were unconventional, but her heart was sincere. Jesus honored her faith.
I love this story. You might not feel like Jesus notices you or is actively seeking you. Don’t let that stop you from seeking Him! This story illustrates that the path to Jesus goes both ways. “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you!” (Matthew 7:7) Take positive initiative in seeking God! Actively reach out and touch Jesus!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
