There was once a time when the world knew not of its Savior. Yet there was hope because it had been foretold that a child would be born and called Emmanuel – God is with us. In Lent, we prepare for his coming anew. During this season, we discover for ourselves the call of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
Jesus begins his ministry and the people have taken notice of him. They seek him out.
A religious elder at the synagogue comes to Jesus stating that his young daughter is near death. He pleads with Jesus to come to his home and heal the girl. Jesus goes with him as throngs of people follow along. As they are walking, an older woman sees Jesus. For the past twelve years she has been ravaged by a blood-borne disease and now she sees this miracle worker within her grasp. She reaches for him believing that the mere touch of his garment will be enough to cure her.
Jesus feels the touch and turns and sees the woman. The woman is fearful and confesses to Jesus that she touched his garment hoping that would cure her of her disease. Then Jesus says:
“Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” (Matthew 9:22)
And the woman is healed.
Jesus continues the trek to the elder’s home. When he finally arrives, he is told that the man’s daughter has died. Jesus looks at the grieving father and says,
“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)
Jesus enters the home. He takes the child by the hand and says:
“Talitha koum! – Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41)
And the little girl rises.
Now, the people are more captivated than ever with Jesus, as Matthew writes in the conclusion of this episode:
“And the fame went abroad into all that land.” (Matthew 9:26)
But it wasn’t fame that Jesus wanted. What Jesus wanted was faith. He wanted the faith of the diseased woman who believed that just a touch of Jesus’ robe would cure her. He wanted the faith of the man who believed Jesus could save his dying child. He wants the faith of each of us to believe in him and to believe in God.
Fame is fleeting and will be lost in time. Fame is a false idol and a passing pleasure.
Faith is eternal salvation and victory over death. Seek faith. It will be yours forever.
These Gospel stories are re-imagined in the book series:
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