Faith - Matthew 9:22

 

Matthew 9:22 - "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour."

Matthew 9:22 is part of a powerful narrative where Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. This verse not only highlights Jesus' miraculous healing power but also emphasizes the profound role of personal faith in receiving healing. Here's a closer examination of the verse and its context:

Context of the Healing

This event occurs within a larger story where Jesus is on His way to the house of Jairus, a synagogue leader, whose daughter is dying. While He is en route, a large crowd follows Him. Amidst this crowd, a woman who had been suffering from a chronic bleeding disorder for twelve years seeks healing. According to Jewish law, her condition would have made her ceremonially unclean, causing her significant social and religious isolation.

Key Elements of the Verse

1. "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her" - Despite the pressing crowd and His original mission to help Jairus' daughter, Jesus is fully aware of the woman's touch. He turns around to address her directly, acknowledging her action and her presence. This turning indicates Jesus’ attentiveness and willingness to engage with individual needs, even in a crowd or while on another urgent task.

2. "He said, Daughter, be of good comfort" - Jesus' address as "Daughter" is deeply significant. It not only conveys affection and acceptance but also reinstates her position within the community, restoring her dignity and status. The phrase "be of good comfort" is an assurance, easing her fear of reprimand for touching Him, given her unclean status.

3. "Thy faith hath made thee whole" - Jesus credits her healing to her faith. This is crucial because it was her belief in Jesus’ power to heal that compelled her to reach out and touch His garment. Her faith, thus, is not passive but active and risk-taking. This statement underscores that while Jesus is the healer, faith is often a conduit for divine action.

4. "And the woman was made whole from that hour" - The immediate effect of Jesus' words and her faith is her complete healing. The phrase "made whole" suggests not just the cessation of her bleeding but a restoration of her whole being—physically, socially, and spiritually.

Practical Implications

• Power of Faith: This verse highlights the transformative power of faith in action. The woman's faith was a decisive factor in her healing, demonstrating that faith in Jesus' power can lead to miraculous changes.
• Jesus’ Compassion and Inclusivity: Jesus breaks social barriers and shows compassion to someone who was marginalized. His response is a powerful testament to His mission to heal and save the lost and the hurting, regardless of their social standing.
• Holistic Healing: Jesus addresses both the physical ailment and the emotional and social repercussions of the woman's condition. His healing is comprehensive, restoring her to full health and community life.

In summary, Matthew 9:22 encapsulates a profound moment of interaction between Jesus and a suffering woman, illustrating the deep compassion of Jesus and the powerful role of faith in receiving His healing touch. This verse encourages believers to reach out to Jesus with faith, regardless of their circumstances or societal barriers. Prayer :

Heavenly Father,

In awe of Your mercy and grace, we come before You today, inspired by the story of the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Like her, we bring our needs to You, each of us carrying burdens that only You can understand and heal.

Lord Jesus, You turned and saw her; You acknowledged her act of faith and healed her. We ask that You would turn Your loving eyes towards us as well. See our pain, our suffering, and our challenges. Hear us as we reach out to You in faith, believing wholeheartedly in Your power to make us whole.

We pray for those among us who need physical healing, that Your healing hand would rest upon them. For those of us wrestling with emotional wounds, bring comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. For those isolated by society, by circumstance, or by their own fears, remind them that they are Your children, whom You see and love.

Say to us, "Daughter, Son, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole." Let these words echo in our hearts and minds, instilling a deep sense of Your peace and presence. We trust in Your promise to heal and restore, and we hold onto Your word with unwavering faith.

Help us to not only seek Your healing but to act in faith, reaching out to touch Your grace and mercy. May our faith be active, pushing through the crowds of doubt and fear, intent on touching You, our source of true healing.

Thank You, Lord, for Your compassion and for the love that welcomes everyone, no matter their state. We praise You for Your ongoing work in our lives, healing, restoring, and redeeming.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.