Jesus performed many healing miracles during His ministry. One account in particular involves a woman touching the hem of His garment to receive her healing. Is there any significance to this simple gesture? Was she acting in humility, or is there more to the story? Let’s take a look.

We read about this woman with an illness in Matthew 9:20-22, “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”

What was so special about the hem of Jesus clothing? God commanded that the Jews wear fringes on the corners of their garments to remind them of their distinct purpose. Numbers 15:37-39 states, “Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ”Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God”

I researched what The Complete Jewish Study Bible states about this subject and found in relating commentary: “The Gospel of Matthew provides an account of Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) observing this commandment. The word had spread throughout Israel that a great rabbi and healer had come. Multitudes of people sought his touch, thinking this might be the long-awaited Messiah. There was a tradition that a person could be healed if he or she touched the fringes of the Messiah’s garment. The fact that this woman reached out to the tzitziyot (fringe) of the Messiah was a statement of faith, not superstition. Her reaching out to the healing power of God was an indicator of her spiritual condition, so it is not surprising that Yeshua validated her action. The custom of wearing fringes is still followed today by traditional Jews, with some slight modifications from the biblical command. The most obvious adaptation for most Jews is that the fringes are not worn as a part of the regular garments. Instead of the tassels on the corners of the tunic or outer garment, Jewish tradition developed a custom of wearing a prayer shawl with fringes in synagogue or during special worship occasions.”

When I visited Israel, I saw many Orthodox Jews wearing tassels on their clothing. It’s a wonderful reminder to keep our eyes focused on God throughout the day. Now I understand what the woman in this story was doing. She was touching what she believed was the holiest part of the Messiah. It’s an amazing example of faith. I love how the bible reveals hidden lessons in little details, don’t you?

God Bless!

Linda