Matt. 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.
NKJV
Do you know what was so significant about her faith??
The English word "hem" is a translation of a Greek word meaning a
tassel of twisted wool. The woman was, in fact, reaching for the tassels on Jesus prayer shawl.
In Hebrew, these tassels, which are attached to the corners of the prayer shawl, are called tzitzit.
Numbers 15:38
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.
NKJV
The word border or corner can be translated: "wings"
During the first century there were several traditions associated with the tzitzit concerning Messiah. One was that these knotted fringes possessed healing powers. This tradition has its roots in the prophecy of Malachi 4:2.
Mal 4:2-3
(The Lord said) "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. NLT
God’s Word says that the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings…or corners (tassels).
Certainly the woman with the issue of blood knew of these traditions, which would explain why she sought to touch the corner (the wings) of Jesus' prayer garment.
With this understanding in mind, an ancient Jew under the prayer shawl could be said to be dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and under His wings (Ps.91:1-4).
When one realized the significance of this concept to the first-century -Hebraic mind, it becomes clear why this woman was instantly healed.
She was expressing her faith in Jesus as the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings and declaring her faith in God's prophetic Word.
No wonder this women was willing to risk her life (a woman with an issue of blood could be stoned for being in public-she would have been considered unclean) and bloody her knees to get to Him!
She knew~ He’s the One!
She recognized Him because of what she had heard about Him! She knew that He was the One that would have healing in His wings.
Who do you recognize Him to be???
