Conclusion of She Touched His Garment

As you can probably appreciate, besides weakening her very much, her ailment is also embarassing and humiliating. One does not generally speak publicly about such an affliction. Moreover, under the Mosaic Law a running discharge of blood makes a woman unclean, and anyone touching her or her blood-stained garments is required to wash and be unclean until the evening.

The woman has heard of Jesus' miracles and has now sought him out. In view of her uncleanness, she makes her way through the crowd as inconspicuously as possible, saying to herself: "If I touch his outer garments I shall get well." When she does so, immediately she senses that her flow of blood has dried up!

"Who was it that touched me?" How those words of Jesus must shock her! How could he know? 'Instructor.' Peter protests 'the crowds are hemming you in and closely pressing you, and do you say, "Who touched me?"

Looking around for the woman, Jesus explains: "Someone touched me, for I perceived that power went out of me." Indeed, it is not ordinary touch, for the healing that results draws on Jesus' vitality.

Seeing That she has not escaped notice, the woman comes and falls down before Jesus, frightened and trembling. In front of all the people, she tells the whole truth about her illness and how she has just been cured.

Moved by her full confession, Jesus compassionately comforts her: "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be in good health from your grievous sickness." How fine it is to know that the One whom God has chosen to rule the earth is such a warm, compassionate person, who both cares for people and has the power to help them! Matthew 9:18-22; Mark 5:21-34; Luke 8:40-48; Leviticus 15:25-27.

Next time: Tears Turned To Great Ecstasy

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991