“They crossed the lake and came to land at Gennesaret, where the people recognised Jesus. So they sent for the sick people in all the surrounding country and brought them to Jesus. They begged him to let those who were ill at least touch the edge of his cloak; and all who touched it were made well.” Matthew 14:34-36

 

The Gospels tell us of the many instances when Jesus performed miraculous healings, and by doing so radically changed the lives of many people. I just paged through the Gospel according to Luke and found 11 headings about healing. This does not mean that only 11 people were healed as, in many instances, lots of people were healed at the same time. Today’s story is one of the most engaging.

 

When Jesus arrived in the town of Gennesaret, it caused quite a stir. He must have been known as a great healer, for the moment the townspeople recognised him, they sent word to the whole countryside, and the sick were brought to Jesus from all around. Illness in those far-off times was experienced very differently than today. If you had pain, there was not much that you could do about it but endure it. Even a very common painkiller like paracetamol was unknown. The only operations that might have been performed were amputations, but if you had appendicitis the chances of dying from it were great. Spectacles or glasses were unheard-of and hearing aids 2 000 years in the future.

 

Although there were doctors, Luke was a doctor, it was on a completely different level than today. Then Jesus arrives on the scene and suddenly, there is hope for people in hopeless situations; for just touching the edge of his cloak made pain go away, restored hearing and even healed the dreaded skin disease that made you an outcast.

 

Today, we do not need to touch his cloak anymore. He comes and touches us when we are sick, heartbroken, tired or feeling depressed and, above all, He will also heal us from the biggest torment of all, our sins. After a healing event in Luke 9:43, we hear these words: “All the people were amazed at the mighty power of God.” We can only say Amen!

 

Prayer: Thank you for being available at any time, especially when I need you the most. Amen