Matthew 9:18–26 (ESV)
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And
Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 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, 21 for
she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made
well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.”
And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.
It is interesting that the ruler sees Jesus as the author of Life. He doesn’t give up on the fact that she is dead, but focuses on Jesus to bring life and says
“come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” At the same time, a woman is seeking healing from Jesus. She has been suffering from a discharge of blood for twelve years. She too sees Jesus as the answer. She believes “If
I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Whether people are laughing or not, Jesus healed both. He is not about death, but about life. His whole plan of salvation is about giving eternal life and forgiveness.
I pray: O Lord, too often we focus on what we can do and get blown away at what You can do. Help us to trust is your plan of salvation for us and the eternal life that
you have given us. Amen.