Scripture: And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Matthew 14:34-36 ESV
[Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping yesterday’s Daily Focus, Jesus commands his disciples to get in their boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and wait for him while he dismisses the crowd and retreats to pray. Meanwhile, a tempest brews and rocks their boat, but of greater concern, they perceive Jesus as a “ghost.” So Jesus immediately tells them to take heart, for it is he in the flesh. Peter asks for a sign: Command me to come to you. Jesus responds, “Come.” So, Peter steps out of the boat and walks toward Jesus on the water. Still, the sounds and sensations of the howling winds and crashing waves distract Peter, and, taking his eyes off Jesus, he becomes consumed with fear and begins to sink. At this point, Peter cries out to his Master to save him, and Jesus extends his hand to rescue him. Then, Jesus rebukes Peter for doubting and demonstrating little faith, and calms the storm. But this time, the disciples do more than express their marvel over Jesus’ dominion over nature: they worship him and profess that he is the Son of God.
For today’s reading, the men who saw Jesus come ashore recognized him (likely based on the stories circulated from Capernaum and the other coastal communities of Galilee). Wasting no time, they alerted the folks of their region, who proceeded to bring to Christ the sick. Similar to the woman who suffered bleeding for twelve years (9:20-22), even those who touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment found healing and restoration. But, as theologian Michael Wilkins contends, they did not pursue wholeness based on superstition but by faith in his power “so great that only this derivative contact with him is necessary to bring healing” (NIV Application Commentary: Matthew, pp.518–519).
Historical Note: The northwest side of the Sea of Galilee, Gennesaret, was a heavily populated, fertile plain that Josephus describes as rich in walnuts, palm trees, figs, and olives (War III, 515-21 [x.8]). Even though this region lies near Tiberias (Herod Antipas’ bustling capital city) and Magdala (Mary Magdalene’s hometown), this is Jesus’ only recorded visit to Gennesaret.
Takeaway: In contrast to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law (who will confront Jesus in the following story of Matthew’s Gospel regarding adherence to traditions and the law), this crowd demonstrated remarkable faith. And Jesus, rubbing shoulders with the masses, showed his unconcern for ceremonial uncleanness. In contrast, Israel’s religious leaders would always stay on the fringes of the crowd to avoid making contact with a diseased person. But Jesus draws near the “unclean” and compassionately lays hands on them to heal them. Indeed, as theologian D.A. Carson rightfully argues, the sinless Son of God “cannot become unclean” by touching a diseased body. “Instead, he makes clean” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, p.347).
Our takeaway and part? Unlike the religious leaders who focused on outward adherence to the law, apart from pursuing a loving relationship with the Giver of the law, we, like the crowd, must come as we are, demonstrating even a modicum of faith in our Lord. When we do, his Holy Spirit will continue to enlarge our faith in and love for Christ. And while we may not experience complete physical healing in our fallen world, the One who touches lepers will touch our leprous hearts and restore shalom peace to our weary souls. And like the men who brought the diseased to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will bring kingdom workers into our lives to lead us closer to Christ, for he who began a good work in us (made us clean) will see it to completion (Philippians 1:6). And as we grow in our faith, we pay it forward and bring others to him who seek restoration.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Son, who remained clean throughout his life, death, and resurrection to make us clean. And we thank you for extending saving grace to us just as we are. Still, we sometimes struggle to trust in him and draw near to him when we are hurting. So, please help us submit to your Holy Spirit, who transforms our thoughts and worldviews to see Jesus as he is: the One who became sin so that we might become his righteousness (made clean) and draw near to you (2 Corinthians 5:21). Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
Leave a Reply