Tag: Matthew 9:20-22
“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!
Healthy Self-Talk!
Scripture reading for January 11th: Matthew 9, Psalm 9, Prov. 9
Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:20-22 “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.”
Jesus was on His way to minister to the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue when He encountered this woman who had the long-time issue of blood. This woman had decided by faith that if she could just touch Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. She had confessed this to herself. Healthy self-talk can promote faith–a deep trust in Jesus and His miraculous ability. Jesus stated that her faith had made her well! Healing happened instantly!
Faith’s Confession: Lord I know that I can go to You with any need or health issue and You have the willingness and power to provide and heal. (Faith Action: Reach out to the Lord with a current need for you or a loved one, using a faith confession. Talk to yourself about Jesus!)
Proverbs 9:10-11 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
Faith comes from the heart!
Scripture reading for January 11th: Genesis 29-31, Matthew 9
Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:20-22 “And Jesus rose and followed him, with His disciples. 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.”
Jesus was responding to a ruler whose child had died and had asked Jesus to come to his house. On the way, a woman reached out and touched Jesus’ robe. Jesus felt the touch and responded to her with an encouraging declaration. “Your faith has made you well.” Faith starts in the heart and comes from hearing God’s Word. Faith moves the possessor to believe, act and receive.
Genesis 31:11-13 “Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ And he said, ‘Lift up you eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to Me.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in You and Your Word. Teach me to walk in faith and keep my heart trusting in You. May I touch You each day as I pray for my needs and others who need You! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!