Matthew 9:18-26 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 9:18-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18While 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." Verse 19And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Verse 20Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, Verse 21for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Verse 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. Verse 23When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, Verse 24he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Verse 25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. Verse 26And the report of this spread throughout that district.
Devotion
These two miracles have connections: a synagogue ruler only wishes for Jesus to touch his 12-year-old daughter that she might live; and on the way to the man's house a woman who suffered a hemorrhage for 12 years touched Jesus’ cloak and was made well.
How powerful it feels when someone says something personal to you and touches your arm! You, perhaps, have been touched by another person’s teaching. Perhaps a prayer touched you. A telephone call or even a visit may touch another. Some people are touched by your being willing to listen to them.
Jesus touches our lives whenever we ask Him, or even when we do not invite His touch. Be open always to His touch in your life.
Prayer
Caring Lord Jesus, open me anew to the wonder of your touch. Speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of your word. Amen.