“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 only I 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 (ESV)
Have you ever heard this story before? I can truly say that one of my least favorite weeks of the month is the week I am having my period. Can you imagine bleeding for twelve years? Friends of mine have struggled with their menstruation cycle and they have assured me that long term bleeding is miserable!
This woman was in desperate need of help and healing.
Take a look at the first bold word in our scripture passage. Herself. She said to herself…”If only I touch his garment, I will be made well.” Do you see how huge this is? She was not being loud and obnoxious about her condition. She was not out telling everyone how bad she had it. She was not demanding to have an audience with Jesus. In fact, the text leads us to believe that she was trying not to get noticed. How do we act when we are suffering?
Look at the second word in bold. Your faith. In this time period, if a woman was menstruating she was considered ceremonially unclean and would have been refused entrance to the synagogue. (Lev. 15:25-27) For twelve years this woman was not allowed in church! She was not allowed to sacrifice or worship with her friends and family. What is completely amazing to me, is that her faith was strong enough to remind her that although she may not have been welcome in church…she was welcome to approach Jesus. Jesus had, and still has, a wonderful way of letting people know that he accepts them just as they are. Is there something in your life that is keeping you from church or youth group? Is there something in your life keeping you from Jesus?
God is pleased when we humbly come to Him; when we trust Him enough to receive His help, instead of our friends. We are free to approach His feet and seek His face. I can’t think of anything that you could do that would keep Him from wanting to spend time with you!
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank John and Emily for reminding me of this amazing story. I have not been able to get it off my mind! Love you both…
