The Messianic Fringe
Matthew 9:20-22
20 And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” 22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.
The story of the woman who had a bleeding disorder is a powerful example of faith and healing. For twelve years, she suffered from a condition that left her weak and isolated, spending all her resources on treatments that brought no relief. Hearing about Jesus, she believed that simply touching His prayer shawl would bring her healing. With great courage and humility, she reached out and touched the edge of His garment, and immediately, her bleeding stopped. Jesus felt power leave Him and turned to acknowledge her faith, saying, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” But the question remains, why would she touch His prayer shawl?
The tallit is rooted in the commandment found in the Torah, specifically in Numbers 15:38-40, where God instructs the Israelites to wear fringes, or tzitzit, on the corners of their prayer shawl as a reminder of His commandments. The tallit is a distinctive shawl worn during prayer and religious ceremonies, symbolizing spiritual devotion and identity. Customarily, the tallit is draped over the shoulders and sometimes over the head during prayer, serving as a personal spiritual space and a tangible connection to Jewish heritage and law. And again, the question remains, why would she touch His prayer shawl?
And the answer is found in Malachi 4:2 …But to you who fear My name. The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. The Hebrew word kanaph, which commonly means "wing," "edge," or "border," is translated in the Greek Septuagint as kraspedon in which we find in the word “hem” in Matthew 9:20. This Greek term carries the same meaning, referring to the fringe or “tzitzit” of a garment. And who is the “Sun of Righteousness”? The Messiah! The woman with the bleeding disorder was literally reaching out to touch the tzitzit(or wings of healing) of the Son of the Righteous or Messiah!
This has very important implications. If the Messiah has healing in His wings, he is real and touchable for all mankind. So how do we touch Him? We need not fear bringing our darkest infirmities, sins, and uncleanliness to the Messiah in prayer, for He is not afraid of being touched by our brokenness. Jesus embraces us precisely in our vulnerability, offering healing and restoration to those who come to Him with open hearts. His willingness to be touched by our pain demonstrates His deep compassion and power to transform even the most wounded places within us. In approaching Him without fear, we find not condemnation, but grace that renews and makes us whole.
Prayerful Thought:
35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, 36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. Matthew 14:35-36
And Remember…….
“ The best medicine for humans is love, and if it’s not working, increase the dose!”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee