The Fringe

Matthew 9:20 NLT Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe.

You have likely heard the story before. We don’t know her name, but we do know her situation. We don’t know all the details of her life, but we do know her need.

She was nameless, only known for her chronic condition, and completely destitute. Like so many of us, she had spent all her resources—her time, strength, and finances—searching for what only God could provide. According to the Law (Leviticus 15:19), this woman was unclean, unable to marry or worship at the Temple. She had to avoid contact with anyone; no one could touch her, or they would also be considered unclean. She could not enjoy a normal life. No hugs, no contact of any kind for 12 years. Treated as a leper, she lived a life of loneliness and isolation. Simply being in the crowd that day was a violation of every spiritual rule and cultural boundary she had ever known. She was desperate for a miracle. Quietly, she reached out and touched the fringe of his garment.

The hem or fringe of his garment refers to the tzitzit, tassels traditionally worn by Jews. The tzitzit are attached to the four corners of the prayer shawl or their everyday garments. This come from Numbers 15:37-41, “Then the Lord said to Moses, Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord.” They were there to help Israel remember God’s promises, covenant, and commands. 

So why does scripture record the woman touching this specific part of Jesus’ garments? She knew that there was power in remembrance, power in God’s promises, power in His covenant, and power in the priesthood. She knew the promise of God from Malachi 4:2, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus) will rise with healing in his wings (Hebrew: kānāp̄ - fringe, edge, or border). And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” She knew that grasping the promises of God would bring her healing and freedom from years of captivity. She knew the promised Messiah had come for this very reason, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1). She crossed every line to simply grab the promises of God. Then she heard, “Take courage, daughter! Your faith has made you well.”

She had hoped to remain hidden, unknown, and anonymous, but Jesus immediately turned to ask, “Who touched me?” He could have called her anything, but without hesitation he called her daughter. Everything Jesus does is personal. He speaks into your heart, your circumstances, and your needs. He knows you and everything about you. You will never receive all that God has for you without a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus. Without him knowing you as son or daughter.

As soon as the woman touched Jesus, her bleeding stopped, and she knew she had been healed. In an instant, Jesus did what no doctor in twelve years had been able to. Jesus is not intimidated by anything you carry. He has come to bring you salvation, righteousness, and healing.

What are you praying for? What promises has God made to you? Reach out and hold onto them. God is still in the business of miracles. “Because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4).

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Matthew 14:35-36 NLT When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Hebrews 10:23 NLT Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

2 Peter 1:4 NLT And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Romans 4:20-22 NLT Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding Yes! And through Christ, our Amen ascends to God for his glory.

Numbers 23:19 NLT God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

Joshua 21:45 NLT Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.

Joshua 23:14 NLT Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!

Psalms 89:33-35 TPT But I, the Lord, will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives. My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them. How could I revoke my covenant of love that I promised David? For I have given him my word, my holy, irrevocable word. How could I lie to my loving servant David?

Psalms 145:13 NLT For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.

Isaiah 55:10-13 NLT The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.

Luke 1:37 NLT For the word of God will never fail.

Luke 1:45 NLT You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.

Hebrews 6:15 NLT Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.