In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a powerful and transformative encounter between Jesus and various individuals in need of healing. In the passages of Matthew 9:9-13 and 18-26, we witness the profound impact of Jesus’ compassion and the transformative power of his touch.
In the first encounter, Jesus approaches Matthew, a tax collector, and calls him to be his disciple. Tax collectors were often despised in society, seen as collaborators with the oppressive Roman regime. Yet, Jesus looks beyond societal judgment and extends a hand of mercy and love to Matthew. With a simple invitation, Jesus transforms Matthew’s life, calling him to follow him and be part of his ministry. This encounter reminds us of the boundless grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all, regardless of their past or societal status.
As Jesus dines at Matthew’s house, he is confronted by the religious leaders who question his choice of company—tax collectors and sinners. In response, Jesus offers a powerful teaching: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” He challenges the rigid religious mindset that values outward acts of piety over genuine compassion and love for those who are marginalized or considered outcasts. Jesus reveals his mission to heal and restore, not only physically but spiritually, reaching out to those who are in need of his touch.
In the subsequent verses, we witness Jesus’ healing touch extend to a woman who had suffered from a bleeding disorder for twelve years and a ruler whose daughter had died. The woman, filled with faith, reaches out and touches Jesus’ garment, believing that she will be healed. In an instant, she is made whole, and Jesus acknowledges her faith and her healing. Similarly, when Jesus arrives at the ruler’s house, he takes the girl by the hand, and she rises from death to life. Through these miracles, Jesus demonstrates his authority over sickness, death, and all forms of brokenness.
These passages teach us profound lessons about the nature of Jesus’ ministry and the way we are called to follow him. We are reminded that Jesus is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. He is intimately involved, ready to extend his healing touch to those who come to him in faith. We see that Jesus’ compassion knows no boundaries, reaching out to the marginalized, the sinners, and those in desperate need. His healing touch brings restoration, not only in physical health but also in spiritual well-being.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody his compassionate ministry in our own lives. We are challenged to look beyond societal judgment and embrace the outcast, the marginalized, and the broken. We are called to be agents of healing and reconciliation, extending the touch of compassion to those who are hurting and in need. We are reminded that true righteousness is not measured by outward displays of religiosity, but by the depth of our love and mercy towards others.
Let us reflect on the encounters described in Matthew 9:9-13 and 18-26 and consider the ways in which we can emulate Jesus’ compassion in our daily lives. May we be open to the transforming power of Jesus’ touch, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. May we be instruments of healing, extending love, mercy, and hope to a world in need.
In doing so, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of Jesus’ touch, drawing others into the embrace of his love and bringing healing and restoration to a broken world.
May we be inspired by the compassion of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in his footsteps, extending his healing touch to all we encounter.
Amen.