“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.”– Matthew 9:20
Matthew 9:20 Meaning
This verse tells us a significant story about faith and healing. The woman in this passage had been suffering for a long time—twelve years, to be exact. In those times, having a discharge of blood would make her ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law, which added to her hardships. She had likely faced much isolation, being unable to participate in the communal life of her society. Despite her struggles, she shows remarkable courage and determination. She believed that if she could just touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. This illustrates the power of faith. Even a simple act of reaching out can hold immense significance when we have trust in God.
The meaning behind the fringes of Jesus’ garment is also noteworthy. In Jewish tradition, edges of garments often contained tassels that represented the commandments of God. The woman believed that even a small contact with these would have the power to heal her. Her faith was intense—profound enough to think that healing could come not through direct interaction with Jesus, but merely from touching the hem of His garment.
Matthew 9:20 Commentary and Explanation
When we look closely at Matthew 9:20, we can see it speaks volumes about healing and faith. It reminds us that sometimes, we may feel overwhelmed or lost in our struggles. Just as this woman fought against her ailment for twelve years, we too might face challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, it is through her act of faith that she is empowered. She doesn’t wait for Jesus to come to her. Instead, she takes the step to seek Him out. This reflects how we should also seek the healing and guidance we need, even when the road ahead seems dark. We should have the faith that Jesus, being the embodiment of God’s healing power, is always reachable.
In a similar context, we can look at James 5:14-15, where it advises the sick to call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. Here, the emphasis is on seeking help and believing in the power of prayer. Just like the woman in our verse, we must reach out to God and our community when we need healing and support.
The act of touching Jesus’ garment is not only physical but symbolic. It communicates a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He represents. Through her touch, she acknowledges His power and authority over her condition. It is a declaration of her belief that He could heal her, and indeed, this belief is what leads to her miraculous healing. It teaches us an important lesson: approaching God with faith, even in small steps, is powerful.
As followers of Christ, we can learn that it is not only the monumental acts of faith that matter; even the quiet and humble efforts that come from a heart of faith have significant impact. This woman, although unnamed, becomes a symbol of faith and hope for countless others seeking healing, both physically and spiritually.
Context of Matthew 9:20
Understanding the context of Matthew 9:20 enriches our interpretation. This verse is part of a chapter that features several miracles performed by Jesus. In the verses preceding this, while Jesus was on His way to heal a ruler’s daughter, the woman’s story interrupts the narrative. We notice here that miracles were happening in even ordinary circumstances. As Jesus journeys through life, touching people and changing them, we see that His ministry was inclusive.
Society often places individuals like the woman—who are sick, poor, or marginalized—on the outskirts. Yet, Jesus actively seeks these individuals. His response to the woman’s touch demonstrates that no one is beyond His reach or care. This is a comforting reminder that Jesus cares about those who are lost, forgotten, or deemed unworthy by society.
The setting also paints a vivid picture. Here is Jesus, moving through a crowd, and as people jostle for His attention, the woman, despite her barriers, reaches out. The distracting noise of those around Him contrasts with her quiet persistence. This teaches us that regardless of the bustling distractions in our life, we can persistently seek Jesus with our whole heart.
Finally, this context reassures us that Jesus is willing to stop whatever He is doing for those who earnestly reach out in faith. He not only acknowledges the woman but addresses her directly, emphasizing her faith led to her healing—a point underlined in verse 22 when He tells her, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” This shows that faith is central to healing in our lives, both in this story and in our personal journeys.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 9:20
To better understand Matthew 9:20, breaking it down into key components provides important insights. Starting with the subject—“a woman”—immediately humanizes the story. She is someone with a name, a life story, and a painful struggle that resonates deeply with us. Her illness symbolizes suffering that we may bear in our own lives, be it physical, emotional, or spiritually.
Next, we explore the phrase “a discharge of blood.” This specific ailment not only signifies physical suffering but also societal isolation. Such conditions in biblical times mandated exclusion from community interactions. So, the woman signifies anyone grappling with similar issues—feeling alone in their struggles and marginalized by society. This aspect creates a vivid metaphor for our human condition.
“For twelve years” indicates the length of her suffering. Twelve symbolizes completeness in biblical numerology, possibly reminding us that we too might be in a season of “complete” suffering. Yet, despite the completeness of her trials, she does not give up. This enduring spirit serves as hope for all of us who have battled with long-term struggles.
Importantly, we read that she “came up behind him.” This shows the woman’s humility. She does not demand Jesus’ attention boldly; instead, she approaches quietly, willing to take a seemingly small but significant step. The act of coming “up” behind Him symbolizes seeking Him humbly with sincerity and faith.
Last, we look at the phrase “touched the fringe of his garment.” This submission demonstrates reverence and hope. The fringes of garments are symbols of God’s commandments. In seeking to touch them, she aims to connect with God’s promises. It’s a strong reminder that we, too, should reach for God’s word and trusting presence to bring healing into our lives.
Lessons From Matthew 9:20
There are many lessons we could draw from Matthew 9:20. The first is about persistence. The woman didn’t give in to her condition. For twelve years, she fought through her pain and isolation. We can learn from this tenacity in our lives. Often, our struggles may seem never-ending, yet like this woman, we can cultivate a faith that enables us to persevere. In Romans 5:3-4, it says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” The emphasis on hope directly links perseverance in faith, encouraging us not to lose heart.
Another lesson is the power of small acts of faith. The woman believed that touching the fringe of Jesus’ garment was enough to heal her. Such faith does not need to be colossal—it can be simple yet profound. Just as a tiny mustard seed has the potential to grow into a mighty tree, our small acts of belief can lead us to significant change and healing in our lives.
This verse also teaches us about the inclusivity of Jesus’ love. The woman, feeling unworthy and isolated, made a move towards Him, demonstrating that no matter where we are or how far we feel from God, we can always reach out. Jesus’ immediate response to her shows us that He welcomes all who seek Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Lastly, we learn about the importance of community support. While the woman initially approached Jesus alone, we must remember that feeling lonely in our struggles is common. In Galatians 6:2, we are reminded to bear one another’s burdens. Finding a supportive community as we walk through our hardships can strengthen our faith and contribute to healing. We don’t need to go through obstacles alone; we are called to lift one another up!
As we reflect on Matthew 9:20, let’s embrace hope, seek Jesus with persistence, and support each other in faith.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Matthew 9:20 presents us with a deeply moving account of faith and healing. The woman’s tireless pursuit of Jesus reflects our own need to reach out to Him during tough times. This story serves as a reminder of faith’s power and how sometimes simple actions can yield enormous results.
We can take heart knowing that Jesus is always near, ready to respond to our cries for help. It reassures us of His willingness to heal and restore us. Just as He had compassion for the woman who touched his garment, He has compassion for each of us. We need to approach Him boldly, in faith, trusting that He hears us and is there for us.
Let us also aim to be like the woman who sought healing no matter how difficult the path. In our lives, sometimes all it takes is a moment of reaching out to Jesus or encouraging someone else to do so. Together, we can support each other while keeping faith alive in our hearts.
As we reflect further on faith and healing, you might enjoy exploring other topics like Bible verses about Jesus being with us or delving into Bible verses about helping the poor and homeless. These resources may offer additional spiritual insight and encouragement in our walk with God.