Daily Devotions
Matthew
Faith Never Goes Unrewarded
Text: Matthew 9 : 18 - 26
Jesus praised faith whenever He saw it. He would also be swift to reprimand His disciples if they did not work on developing their faith! The faith of Jairus was evident. He sought Jesus out. He even prostrated himself at the feet of Jesus! The faith of this woman is also unquestionable. Genuine faith never goes unnoticed or unrewarded!
NOT SUPERSTITION BUT GENUINE FAITH
For twelve years the poor woman sought every medical remedy suggested, but to no avail. There was only one thing left to do! Faith taught her that Jesus was the One who could help her. Faith taught her how to reach out to touch but the hem of His garment, and she would be made well.
It is important that we take time to read the following text carefully.
“If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
Matthew 9:22
We must not imagine that this woman thought that the clothes Jesus wore were magical in any way! This would then be superstition! If His clothes had a power of its own, then those who washed them would also derive special blessings from handling and cleaning them.
She reasoned that she was not worthy to speak to Jesus face to face as Jairus did! She knew that in her society, to speak to a famous Rabbi, in public, was something that was severely frowned upon! She decided that though she may not be worthy to speak to Jesus personally, surely, she would be blessed if she but touch His garment. Yes, the hem of His garment would do just fine! This was genuine humble faith, and not superstition at all!
THE KINDNESS OF JESUS
How kind Jesus was to this poor woman. His words would forever and be indelibly etched upon her heart.
“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw
her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter;
your faith has made you well.’ And the
woman was made well from that hour.”
Matthew 9:2
“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her…”
What tenderness was expressed in this act. Jesus was on an important mission! He was going to the home of one of the rulers of the synagogue. Yet, there He was, pausing, stopping and looking around. Jesus knew! He knew who had touched the hem of his garment with faith!
There was no sign of anger in those tender eyes of His! He understood! She did not have to say a word! He saw her. He noticed her! How kind Jesus was!
“Be of good cheer, daughter…”
This famous Rabbi would not only stop but speak to her – and in public too? Who has ever heard of such a thing! A Teacher of great renown pausing to speak to her with such loving words and in such tenderness!
“Be of good cheer…”(Greek “tharseo”). Jesus really understood her after all. Who could have known just how much her heart trembled even as she reached out her hand to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment! She could have been publicly censured for her forwardness. But no, Jesus did not rebuke her at all! Instead He used a word that encouraged her to have “confidence” or “fortitude” in her heart. Jesus knew that her faith, though genuine, had not been all that strong or confident! He wanted her to fortify that faith of hers.
“Daughter…”This was how a great Teacher would address those who sought him out for help. It was a word that a Teacher would use when He acknowledges a worthy person. He was the Teacher and there He had the “right” to call someone “son”
or “daughter”. The Teacher surely wasn’t an older person. She was arguably much older. Yet, His word “daughter” made her feel safe and comfortable once again. He was surely speaking as One who was more than just a Teacher. Could He be the Messiah, whose age is to be found in the annals of antiquity? How wonderful it is to hear someone calling her “daughter” once again! How long has it been since her parents called her that?
“Your faith has made you well…”
Her faith! Jesus made mention of her faith! He publicly praised her for her faith, even though He knew that it was not a strong and confident one!
Faith in God! How glad she was that she never lost her faith in God. How thrilled she must be that somehow she recognized Jesus for who He was! He was surely more than just a miracle worker! She put her faith in action and reached out to touch the hem of His garment! And this was her reward!
Even as He spoke those words, she felt her body regain its strength and vigour! She had grown weaker after every treatment. All her funds were exhausted by now. She had nothing left except her faith in God.
How precious were the words Jesus directed to her! Yes, she knew what she must do next! She must seek to develop her faith further, till she had a strong and confident faith in this Person who healed her! There were many things she did not know about Him. If this brief encounter was anything to go by, then she had every reason to press on to cultivate her faith.
Jesus did not despise women folk. What did He say about new wine? It was true then! Jesus represented a “new” approach to theological understanding and life itself. He did not discriminate between the sexes! He did not despise the poor and sickly. He cared, He really cared for people!
This faith in Jesus was worth pursuing! What encouragement she received that day! Her life would never be the same again!