Matthew 9

Read: Matthew 9

Matthew 9:20-22 “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.”

Think

In the Gospels, we meet a woman whose story is incredibly relatable, even today. She had been suffering for twelve long years with a relentless hemorrhage, leaving her physically weak and emotionally drained. According to Jewish Law, she was considered "unclean," which meant she couldn't touch anything or anyone without making them "unclean" too (Lev. 15:19-30). For over a decade, she lived in isolation, deprived of human contact. Imagine the loneliness and rejection she must have felt. But in her suffering, she heard about a man named Jesus, a Rabbi who was known for healing the sick and performing miracles.

Desperation and hope intertwined in her heart as she thought, "What if I touch his garment? Could he heal me?" For twelve years, she had tried everything without success, but now she saw a glimmer of hope in Jesus. With a mixture of fear and determination, she pushed through the crowd, believing that just a touch could change everything. "If I only touch his garment, I will get well," she kept telling herself. Her suffering made her willing to risk everything for a chance at healing. Haven't we all been there, desperate for a breakthrough, willing to take a leap of faith?

This woman’s condition made her untouchable, much like how we can feel when burdened by our own issues. Yet, Jesus did not shy away from her touch. He redefined what it means to approach God, showing that no one is too unclean, too broken, or too far gone for his touch. Jesus welcomed her touch and, by doing so, showed us that he is accessible to all of us, no matter our circumstances. If you ever feel like an outcast or worry that your problems make you unworthy, remember her story. Run to Jesus, reach out to him, and you will find the hope and acceptance you seek. It’s never too late to turn to Jesus.

Jesus knew what was happening around him. He was aware of the woman’s touch even before he turned around. When she touched his garment, he felt power go out from him and sought her out. With eyes full of compassion, Jesus found her quickly and spoke words of comfort and acceptance. He didn’t rebuke her; instead, he praised her faith and calmed her fears. He called her "daughter," showing a deep sense of love and care. Her faith, expressed through a simple touch, connected her to the Savior. Jesus affirmed, "Your faith has made you whole," emphasizing the power of belief. In that moment, her faith crowned him as her Healer, and Jesus honored her faith in return. Today, we too can reach out and touch Jesus, knowing that he is always ready to make us whole. Take that step of faith and experience his healing touch in our lives.

Apply

Are you broken and need a touch from Jesus? He is waiting, call out to him. Ask him to heal you of your sins and make you a new creation. He won’t turn you away.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for always being within reach. I am so often burdened by my own struggles, feel unworthy and even untouchable, but you remind me that I am never too far gone for your grace and love. Help me to remember that I am not worthy on my own, that only in your power can I find healing and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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