Ian Barclay's Thought For The Day

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
One of the untouchables
Reading: Matthew 9:20-22 click to view passage

Quite apart from her gynaecological problem, this poor woman, was regarded as “unclean.” Not only was she unclean, but everything she touched became unclean. This meant she wasn’t allowed to worship or have contact with anyone. (Leviticus 15:25-27). Mark tells us she had spent all her money consulting every possible source of help and all that had happened was the problem had got worse, (Mark 5:26).

Despite her timidity and lack of courage she is another good example of faith. Somehow she has the (i) knowledge that Jesus could heal her. She has (ii) belief, “If only I can touch his cloak, I will be healed,” (v22). She (iii) trusts, “she came up behind him and touched his cloak”(v20). The “edge” of the cloak (v20) is normally translated “fringe” in the Old Testament. In Hebrew it is “zizith” which refers to the four blue tassels that the Law required every Jews to have in each corner of his outer garment (Number 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12).
Her faith seems to have overcome her timidity and embarrassment concerning her problem.

Meditation: Think how Jesus will not turn us away however timid or embarrassed we might feel about our problems
Prayer pointer: I must conquer my fears and let Jesus deal with my problems.