Wednesday, October 11, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Matthew 9:18–26

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will 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. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. (NRSV)

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Reflection

Crowds are a fascinating and terrifying element of biblical stories. I sometimes imagine what it would be like to be sitting for the Sermon on the Mount, or on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, at the scene of the miracle of loaves and fishes. Then again, where would I be standing on the Via Dolorosa?

In this passage, we see a sharp contrast between crowds and two people of faith. The afflicted woman had faith that the simple touch of Jesus’ garment would cure her. Imagine what an outcast she was. Her “unclean” status kept her from worshiping in the temple. She was ailing, destitute, and struggling to survive. Unwanted and invisible, she had no one to help her get along. Yet Jesus felt her need right away and cured her sickness because of her faith. How amazing that the creator of the universe can find and cure the problems of one single person!

The crowd at the leader’s home, however, was another story. Active in mourning, their grief led them to mock the idea that Jesus could help. (Is this a crowd I might find myself in, resigned only to what I see?) In his work, the leader of the temple was used to persuading and negotiating with groups of people, but in his faith, he had to act alone. Jesus raises his daughter in an intimate, almost isolated, setting. After it happens, news spreads over the district. Would I have been in this crowd spreading the news? On the other hand, am I a person of such faith that I could reach out to Jesus on my own with my prayer?

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Prayer
Heavenly Creator, you know me and know what is afflicting me, physically and spiritually, before I do. Help me strengthen my faith and feel your love, the source of all life. Amen.

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Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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