Tag: Matthew 9
“Take heart, daughter!”
Scripture reading for January 13: Matthew 9
“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her He said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:20-22
Under the Law of Moses, women who had bodily discharges were unclean and were not to touch anyone else lest they cause them to be unclean as well. This woman, an Israelite, would have lived under this law during her twelve years of bleeding. We can imagine how her self-image must have been diminished and her life limited. We are not told specifically how it happened, but this woman had a revelation that if she could just touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. She found courage to act on her belief, thinking she could do this in a crowd of people and go unnoticed. After all, it was only His garment she would touch.
In spite of being on another pressing mission, Jesus felt her touch and took time look at her directly and to acknowledge her as a “daughter” in God’s family. Her deepest need was affirmation of her identity and belonging. Next Jesus recognized her faith that had caused her to reach out to touch His garment. Jesus encouraged her to ‘take heart’. Faith begins in the heart and the heart of man holds onto what they believe is God’s will and Word. When she persisted in faith, immediately, she was healed! Faith alone pleases God and can bring His loving attention.
Have you ever felt isolated and cut off from God or others because of an affliction or self-image issue? How did God help this woman to overcome her issue? Does God reach out to us or are we to reach out to God? Or both? What part of this simple story helps your understanding of overcoming issues?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for recording this simple story of a woman in deep need who acted on a belief that even touching Jesus garment would bring healing. Bring new faith to act on Your Word into my life today. Use me to encourage others to ‘take heart’ and act on God’s Word. Amen!
The blind receive sight!
Scripture reading for January 12th: Matthew 9
Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:27-30 “As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When He had gone indoors, the blind men came to Him, and He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.”
Blindness is a horrible affliction that cuts us off from many of the pleasures of our world. Darkness is the companion of the blind and they need assistance to get around. In this story, two blind men call out to Jesus for mercy! They address Him as the “Son of David”, a messianic title. Jesus went inside, apparently not interested in addressing these requests, but the blind men follow Him. We are not sure how they found their way, but they were persistent and Jesus questioned them about their faith: “Do you believe I am able to do this?” They answered with an affirmative, “Yes, Lord!” Jesus then simply touched their eyes and told them that they would receive what they believed! Immediately their sight was restored!
Observations for over-comers: Persistence in prayer–calling out to Jesus–is essential in overcoming “impossible” situations. We will receive what we believe! “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
Jesus does the “impossible”!
Scripture reading for January 13th: Matthew 9
A miracle is something that happens that is beyond the ordinary. Miracles have been one of the languages that God has used to cause men and women to marvel and open their heart to believe. Jesus the Son of God was a miracle-worker who did extraordinary miracles that got the attention of lost and hurting people and brought relief to those suffering from the power of Satan.
“While He was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before Him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put Your hand on her and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did His disciples.” Matthew 9:18-19 A ruler of the Jews came to Jesus for help in an impossible situation. His daughter was dead! For some reason, Jesus had become known for the extraordinary miracles that He performed. Word had reached this ruler and he was desperate for help. Jesus responded to the man’s faith, taking along His disciples for a lesson in the miraculous!
“When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, He said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at Him. After the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took the girl by the hand and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.” Matthew 9:23-26 Jesus was mocked when He told the mourners that the girl was not dead but asleep! They were escorted out before Jesus could act to defeat death. After a touch from Jesus, death left her body! Jesus is still the Miracle Worker today! His followers are now His hands and feet!