One of the most impactful and instructive miracles of the Savior is the subject of our reflection this evening. The woman was extremely ignorant—she imagined that mercy flowed out of Christ as a matter of necessity, without His knowledge or direct will. Moreover, she was unaware of the gracious nature of Jesus’ character; otherwise, she would not have tried to take healing from Him in secrecy, as though stealing what He was willing to give freely. Misery should always be placed before the face of mercy. If she had known the love in Jesus’ heart, she would have said, “I must put myself in a place where He can see me, for His infinite knowledge will be aware of my condition, and His love will immediately work to heal me.”
We admire her faith, but we marvel at her ignorance. After receiving her healing, she rejoiced with trembling, happy that divine mercy had worked miraculously in her life. Yet she feared that Christ might revoke His blessing or respond negatively by withholding His grace—she knew little of the fullness of His love!
Likewise, we do not always have as clear a view of Him as we would like, for we have not fully grasped the depth and height of His love. But we know with certainty that Jesus is too good to take back the gift from a trembling soul that has received it. This is where the miracle lies: her faith was as small as her knowledge, yet it was true faith, and thus, it saved her instantly. There was no long delay—her faith produced an immediate miracle.
If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, salvation will be ours—both now and forever. Even if we are considered the weakest among God’s children, as heirs through faith, no power—human or demonic—can take this salvation from us. Even if we do not dare to lean upon Jesus’ chest as John did, if we can simply reach out and touch the hem of His garment from behind, we will be saved.
Take courage, O timid soul! Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God.”
