Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:18-34
As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”
So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. – Matthew 9:18-19
HE KNELT BEFORE JESUS.
Consider the posture of this leader as he approached Jesus. Consider the heart of this father as he responded to his grief by going to the one who had been healing so many others. In this moment of physical submission and emotional heaviness, this man of God did not make a request of Jesus but instead he made a statement of faith. This is, but you can; this happened, but I believe you are able.
Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. – Matthew 9:20-22
SHE REACHED OUT TO JESUS.
Consider the posture of this woman as she approached Jesus. She did not feel worthy of interrupting Jesus. She was not culturally as important as the leader of the synagogue and her illness did not compare to the death of a child. But what stands out to me in this passage is that she did not wonder if touching the hem of Jesus’ garment could heal her; she believed it would. This is, but you can; this happened, but I believe you are able.
JESUS TURNED AROUND.
Just as Jesus acknowledged the faith of the man, he responded to the faith of this woman. Feeling the power go out from him (Luke 8:46), Jesus turned towards the woman and he gave her his full attention. He called her “daughter” and he recognized the discouragement that had weighed her down after twelve years of bleeding. If she questioned her value in the eyes of God before this moment with Jesus, she now received the affirmation that her faith in Jesus had made her well.
When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. – Matthew 9:23-26
SHE STOOD UP!
Consider the posture of this 12 year old — a posture that represents the healing power of Jesus. The fact that she could stand was evidence that Jesus lifts us up out of the death we are experiencing and gives us the strength to be upright. He breathes life into our darkest moments and takes us by the hand when we are waking up from our spiritual sleep. This is, but you can; this happened, but I believe you are able.
THEY FOLLOWED JESUS.
After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! – Matthew 9:27-30a
Believing that Jesus could heal them, the two blind men followed him. Knowing he had a reputation of compassion, the men called out to Jesus for mercy. When asked if they believed, they testified to their faith. And because of their faith, they were healed. This is, but you can; this happened, but I believe you are able.
How am I postured to receive Jesus today? I want my story to include kneeling before Jesus believing that he can do anything. I want to reach out in faith believing that Jesus has the power to heal. Recognizing the impact Jesus has had on my life, I want to stand in faith and follow his every lead. Lord, give me a faith that moves mountains and a heart that responds in mercy to the needs of those around me. Amen.