I’ve been working on a message using Matthew 9:18-26 as my main text. As I flesh out the message, I continue to plan to share insights and reflections on it. I’m leaning heavily on Bruner’s commentary on Matthew to write my talk.
Understanding that this poor lady was perpetually unclean meant she had nothing. No money. No power. No physical touch. Nothing. Jesus transforms her life and rewards her faith. But the real surprise is his response:
“Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”
It was thoughtful of Jesus to not mention her ailment, nor point to himself. He doesn’t say “You are really messed up, I have healed you and don’t you forget it.” Instead he rewards her faith. Beyond healing he gives her dignity. Jesus’s action remind us that giving others dignity is an act of love and compassion.