Tuesday, May 10, 2011

As many as Touched his Garment were made Well.

Matthew 14:34-36 (ESV)
“And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick [36] and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. “
The sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick… and as many as touched it were made well. Jesus didn’t ask this. Jesus didn’t tell the people to do this. Jesus gives the impression that he might have wished at this time to be left alone. But he came to the people, and the people responded. They went and found their friends and brought them to be healed by Jesus. They knew he could do it.
Nothing has changed. Oh perhaps we aren’t healed of our physical ailments, at least not before we die. But Jesus heals us, he forgives our sins. Jesus heals us. This is what he comes to do. He comes to us in Baptism, the word, and the Supper. He comes and with his gospel the news of his death and resurrection he brings us joy. He brings to us life and love. This is what he wants to do, and this is what he does. He comes to save and not condemn. And we who are touched by his garment, clothed in him through baptism, we are healed we are saved we are made well. Now we have reason to send out to all our region.
There are too many who are not yet well, and what is preventing them? Not hearing.

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