Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:20-21

"And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: for she said within herself, If I do but touch his garment, I shall be made whole." — Matthew 9:20-21 (ASV)

This is an incident on the road, a wonder by the way. While the Lord is moving towards the chamber of the ruler’s dying daughter, He works a miracle without a word. He was intent on His design to raise a girl, but without intending it, He cures an older woman. The very spillings and overflowings of Christ’s power are precious.

Note the word, “behold.” Here we have a notable circumstance. This afflicted woman had suffered from a weakening hemorrhage for “twelve years,” and had found no cure, but now she beheld the great Miracle Worker and with a timid courage she pushed into the crowd, and touched the hem of his garment. Great fear kept her from facing Him. Great faith led her to believe that a touch of His robe behind Him would cure her. She was ignorant enough to think that healing went from Him unconsciously, but yet her faith lived despite her ignorance and triumphed despite her bashfulness.

It was her own idea to make a dash for it and steal a cure. “She said within herself.” It was her wisdom that she carried out her resolve at once. Poor soul! It was her only chance, and she would not lose it. It happened that our Lord’s dress was drawn backward by the throng, and she was able with her finger to reach its hem. She believed that this would be enough, and so it proved. Oh, that we were as eager to be saved as she was to be healed! Oh, that we had such confidence in Jesus as to be sure that if we come into contact with Him, even by the least promise and the smallest faith, He can and will save us!

My soul, when you are in urgent need, be brave to come near to your Lord, for if a touch of His garment will heal, what virtue must lie in His own self!