While He [Jesus] was saying these things to them (John the Baptist’s disciples), behold, a ruler came in and knelt before Him, saying, “My daughter has just died…lay your hand on her…she will live…Jesus…followed him…behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came…touched…His garment…the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house…(He) took her (the little girl) by the hand, and the girl arose…
Matthew 9:18-26
Prior to our verses today, we see Jesus has arrived in “His own city.” This could be Nazareth but, it is most likely Capernaum, as Jesus has travelled by boat to get there and Nazareth is not on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus heals a paralytic and the crowd, gathered there, glorified God but, the religious leaders present thought Jesus to be a blasphemer. Then, we see Jesus’ calling Matthew to be His Disciple. After that, some of John the Baptist’s disciples came to talk with Jesus. While they were talking together, a ruler from a nearby community came seeking Jesus to, not just heal his daughter, but, to “lay His hand on” his dead daughter to raise her from the dead! Jesus went with the ruler and, on the way, was touched by a woman who had been dealing with “an issue of blood” for 12 years. Can you imagine anyone having a health problem for 12 years with no relief! In Luke’s gospel, we learn that the woman had spent all her money seeking healing from her condition. Matthew notes that the woman touched “the fringe” of Jesus garment. Jesus was a pious Jew and, most likely, He wore tassels attached to the bottom of His outer garment as pious Jews of His day would. Jesus acknowledged the woman’s touching His garment, her faith and, her healing. When Jesus arrives at the ruler’s house, there are mourners there grieving with the family over the little girl’s death. Jesus told the mourners to leave because the girl was not dead. As Jesus put the mourners out of the house, they laughed at Him, in derision. Jesus took the girl’s hand and, she arose from her bed. This miracle was reported in all the surrounding towns! Christians, Jesus may not be present physically among us today. But, He is present with us spiritually and, He wants to provide healing for us according to His will. Miracles do happen today, especially because Jesus sits on His Throne reigning His universe in which we live. Our ultimate healing will come when Jesus returns in power and glory to bring His bride (the church) to the Wedding Feast in Heaven! Let us give Him praise and glory until that day, no matter what our physical health, in this life, may be.
Source: S C Ball January 27, 2023
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