The official’s daughter and the woman with a hemorrhage
WHILE Jesus was speaking to the crowd, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.
REFLECTION YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU. Jesus says this to a woman suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years. The woman struggles to draw near to Jesus and touch his cloak; she is healed because of her faith in Jesus.
Jesus is on his way to raise a dead child in response to the request of an official. The official believes in the power of Jesus to make his dead daughter live again by laying his hand on her. In faith, the official intercedes for her daughter, as if saying, “Lord, please do the impossible.” His plea is emotionally laden; he cannot afford to lose her child.
The woman with hemorrhages has suffered for so long. She chances to meet Jesus. She is not his priority, but she tries to negotiate her way to him. Jesus heals her and gives recognition to her faith.
A simple faith can do wonders. The official and the woman do not have the sophistication of people who are students and perhaps experts of the faith. Jesus recognizes the little faith we have as long as we use it. When we help ourselves even with a simple faith, Jesus responds.
Have faith. God will work wonders for you and your loved ones.