Just The Hem

Matthew 9:20-22  And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage 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 shall 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.


She knew that contact with Jesus was enough to change her life. How did she know? What made her think that such a simple act would bring her healing? How long had she been following him seeing the signs and wonders? What gave her the courage to step forward and do the unthinkable?


As I follow the gospel account I surmise that she had been on the outskirts of the group for some time. As a woman with a show of blood she was an untouchable. Wandering hopelessly she must have seen Jesus intercede for others who were untouchable like the leper, but at least he was a man. I can imagine that she felt even Jesus would not help a mere woman, so she  held back and followed at a distance to see more of his work. Perhaps the compassion for the widow of Nain was the final piece in building her confidence. She finally approaches trying to be invisible in the crowd, but Jesus knew. Another version of this gospel account says that he felt power go out from him. You can just imagine how she felt as he turned and told her she was well.


I can relate to the woman's story and I have known many others who have followed on the edges feeling unworthy of all that Jesus can do. With all the gospel testimony about what Jesus will do, what keeps us from our approach? What keeps us from reaching for the hem of his garment? You see we're all untouchables in reality for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is pure and holy and it is only by his mercy that we can be allowed to receive his grace. We doubt the depth of his well of compassion which has no limit. How long until we have the woman's courage?