While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”  Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.  After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.  News of this spread through all that region.

Matthew 9:18 – 26

Jesus was deluged with requests.  Before he could answer one, another appeared, also urgent.  First was the leader of the synagogue, a man of faith whose daughter had just died.  In faith, he said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”  On the way to raise her from the dead, a woman, considered unclean because of her bleeding problem, pled with Jesus for healing.  Impressed with her faith, Jesus healed her after twelve long years of living as an outcast.

Then he and his disciples go to the home of the ruler of the synagogue.  Amid unbelieving spectators Jesus was not deterred.  He had them leave and then, in the quietness of the home, took her hand and raised her up.  When the crowd heard that this happened they could not contain themselves but spread the word about Jesus’ loving deed.

So, we read of the healing ministry of Jesus that included the son of a prominent Jewish rabbi, a most honorable man, no doubt, and, a most disreputable woman whose sickness cut her off from ordinary life in the community.  Jesus was not at all choosy.  He healed all who believed.

He continues to reach out in mercy for all today, without regard to social class or identity at all.  We are astounded by the stories we hear of Jesus’ loving touch in places in our world that we never even heard of.

I need to ask whether I have the compassion of Jesus right now as I live in this world of need.  Forgive me, Lord.