Matthew 9:19-26, 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.

Comments

We find two amazing healing miracles intertwined in this pericope, meaning verses that form a coherent story or thought. A man’s daughter has just died, but instead of Jesus going immediately to heal her, a woman interrupts Jesus for her own healing. Jesus heals her by touch and words. After twelve years of being “unclean” and in pain, Jesus restores her, making her whole in spirit and community. Her faith in him, according to Jesus, made her well.

But can he heal a dead child as the great prophets Elijah and Elisha had done, as recorded in 1 & 2 Kings? Does Jesus have power over death? He does.

Prayer

Resurrected Lord, you have shown us your power over death and the grave; Build our faith on the rock of your teaching in your Word that we may overcome the torrents of life and put our faith, hope, and love in you.