Matthew 9:20 New King James Version (NKJV)
And suddenly, a woman
who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem
of His garment.
For at least twelve years she had trusted the Jewish
physicians to heal her condition. It was a very serious condition which put her
on the margin of society. Her Jewish docs had tried everything they knew to do; everything from giving her potions to
drink to trying remedies such as having her sit at a cross roads drinking wine
while someone came up behind her and commanded her disease be healed (Adam
Clark Commentary, Dr. John Lightfoot). She had run out of money and hope of
ever being made well. Then word came that Jesus of Nazareth was there. He had been in Capernaum about a year earlier
and she heard about the paralyzed man He healed. She contemplated what to do.
If she approached Him in public and told Him what her problem was it is likely
that she would be arrested for being in contact with others having such a
condition. It seemed to her like she had been plagued with this condition all
her life. She had to hide her condition
in order to get the things she needed. It was not only physically debilitating
but it took its toll on her mentally as well. Now an opportunity had arrived
for her. What to do?
She headed toward the seashore as she saw the multitudes
gathering near a boat that had just beached. Throngs of people were there
trying to get a glimpse of Him. She saw a man fall at His feet and could not
hear what he said, but Jesus followed him. She kept her distance until the
crowd came right past her and she could not wait any longer. Coming up behind
Him and pressing through the crowd she reached out a shaking hand hoping His
robe would brush against it. She believed that is all it would take; a touch
from His clothes. His robe touched her hand and she felt her condition leave
her! Twelve years of suffering was resolved in twelve seconds. Then He stopped.
Fear came upon her as He turned to look behind Him. Putting His hand up to halt
the procession He asked, “Who touched Me?” The people began to look at each
other and His disciples who had been surrounding Him like body guards said,
“You see all these people pushing and shoving to get to You and You ask which
one it was that touched You?” He knew who it was even though they did not. He
made eye contact with her and when His eyes met hers her body began to shake in
fear. She crumbled at His feet as if to have Him show her mercy fearing He was
going to broadcast her problem and what He would do according to the law.
Instead He kept her secret and gave her a word; just for her. No one else knew
what He meant when He said, “Daughter,
your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” In other words, “I am not condemning you
for what you did because you acted according to your faith and the healing you
have received will not be revoked.”
Go ahead. If you have been contemplating to go to Him but
ashamed to; go ahead. He is waiting on you. He has come to your area for that
very reason. Just as He knew the woman would be there waiting on Him He knows
where you are. Reach out your spiritual hand to Him; He will take it from
there. He knows your secret fear too so you can rest assured He will accept you
and not embarrass you either. Let your faith in Him drive your actions.
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